Did the Pacers make a good pick with Myles Turner?
Jon Washburn: Absolutely. With the 11th pick, the Pacers got a top-five talent who also fit a specific need. The Pacers come away from the draft with a guy who could easily be described as the “best player available at the time, while also filling holes in the roster. I understand the love for Cameron Payne, but it’s unclear whether he will ever be better than George Hill — and he certainly wouldn’t have been an upgrade in year one.
It wasn’t a flashy pick — no “ohhs and ahhs” on this one — but given Larry Bird and Donnie Walsh’s track record with mid-first-round picks, I’m relatively hopeful.
Ryan Barth: Given their options at #11, I think they definitely could have done worse. It sounds like Frank Vogel and Larry Bird see Turner as a guy who is going to vastly improve with experience and can grow into something special. He probably won’t turn any heads this season, but should be a constantly evolving front-court piece for years to come.
Will Furr: I think so. Myles Turner has a lot of upside with a few skills that will allow him to contribute right away. It wasn’t a flashy pick — no “ohhs and ahhs” on this one — but given Larry Bird and Donnie Walsh’s track record with mid-first-round picks, I’m relatively hopeful. I do think Turner will have to grow more than some of our recent picks, and there will be growing pains.
Ben Gibson: When you are possibly heading into the season without last year’s starting center and power forward, yes. There may have been another player Indiana could have reached for here, but they have to get some size back with David West gone and, possibly, Roy Hibbert being traded.
Next: Will Indy Regret the Pick?