Jarace Walker could be just what the Indiana Pacers need in the NBA Draft
Former Houston Cougars forward Jarace Walker is a four with a long wingspan, solid athletic traits, wonderful defensive upside, and decent playmaking and shooting abilities. He's largely considered to be a top-10 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
His fit with the Indiana Pacers, who own the seventh overall selection, could be tremendous. The 19-year old worked out for the team last week and had a chance to show them what he could do.
"I definitely can see myself fitting into the program. Especially with high-level playmakers like Haliburton and the skill set that Mathurin has. They have Myles Turner too. So they definitely have a good group," Walker said of the Pacers at the NBA Draft combine. "I feel like I could definitely fit right in."
Many of the things that Walker excels at are needed traits for the blue and gold. That all starts on the defensive end of the floor. The strong forward is capable of guarding many positions, including threes and fours, well, and Indiana struggled in that department last season. But he isn't limited to those spots. His foot speed is good enough to stick with perimeter players, too, and he's strong enough to hold up in the post.
His feel and awareness shine off the ball on defense as well, which is rare for a college prospect. Walker could be a terrific defender at the pro level if he continues to develop as he did at Houston.
That's where Walker could help the blue and gold the most. Indiana needs size and defense at the four spot, and Walker could provide that if he grows as it seems he could. His seven-foot-two-inch wingspan makes him imposing at numerous positions on the less glamorous end of the court.
He played in different schemes with Houston, and his spatial awareness as well as ability to blow up plays is impressive. Walker is one of the best defensive prospects in the 2023 draft.
His offensive game is better than advertised, even though his 11.2 points and 1.8 assists per game averages don't suggest it. He can enhance an offense with some of his skills and stature.
Walker is a unique weapon on the offensive end in that he is imposing and forceful yet doesn't necessarily play a physical style. He's big, so he can start plays inside the arc as a screener or dunker spot decision maker. But he more often opens sets out on the perimeter where he can pick, cut, get the ball and make a play, or do whatever the play calls for.
That's rare, though the six-foot-eight-inch forward couldn't quite capitalize on his his imposing frame. He can create shots somewhat, but not enough to be a high-volume setup man for himself or others. His three-point shot is fine (34.7%) but not great. His passing is solid but not exceptional. Walker has some skill in all of these areas, and his flashes make it seems as if he could develop into a weapon as a shooter or passer. That, combined with his forceful and heady play, is where his upside lies.
If the three-point shot remains near 35% in the pros, Walker could be a three-and-D player without developing elsewhere. And he clearly has room to grow as a creator, finisher, and decision maker despite not being bad at any of those skills. His floor is high, and his ceiling is fascinating to imagine.
With a head of steam, he can put pressure on the rim, and Walker's finishing is solid from many areas of the court. Some of his offensive game is raw right now, but his feel and defensive IQ lead many to believe he will produce in the pros.
There's a chance Jarace Walker never becomes an effective playmaker or outside shooter. His handle may never be a weapon. Even then, he could give teams, including the Pacers, just what they need on defense while being forceful and smart on offense. There's a reason he is projected to go seventh — to Indiana — in ESPN's most recent mock draft.
There may be some picks that would be considered safer inside the top-ten of this draft. But many teams, including the Pacers, would be better after picking someone like Walker. He can defend and has fascinating offensive upside. Perhaps he could be the pick at seven on June 22.
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- The best and worst two-man lineups featuring Myles Turner and what the Pacers can learn from them. CLICK HERE.
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