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Indiana Pacers Host Caleb Swanigan, Bentil, Felder, Moore, Sulaimon for Workouts

By Ryan Eggers

Jan 7, 2016; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Purdue Boilermakers forward Caleb Swanigan (50) and Michigan Wolverines guard Duncan Robinson (22) wait for a rebound in the second half at Mackey Arena. Purdue won the game 87-70. Mandatory Credit: Sandra Dukes-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2016; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Purdue Boilermakers forward Caleb Swanigan (50) and Michigan Wolverines guard Duncan Robinson (22) wait for a rebound in the second half at Mackey Arena. Purdue won the game 87-70. Mandatory Credit: Sandra Dukes-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 9, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Anthony Barber (12) dribbles the ball as Duke Blue Devils guard Matt Jones (13) defends in the first half during day two of the ACC conference tournament at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Anthony Barber (12) dribbles the ball as Duke Blue Devils guard Matt Jones (13) defends in the first half during day two of the ACC conference tournament at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Anthony Barber, North Carolina State — Guard

Year: Junior

Height: 6’3″

Weight: 173

Wingspan: 6’5.5″

Last Season Stats: 23.5 PPG, 4.5 APG, 4.6 RPG, 43.4 FG%, 36.1 3P%

Draft Stock: Early to Mid-Second Round

Anthony “Cat” Barber was the bright spot in what was otherwise an ugly season for North Carolina State. But, despite his team’s failures, Barber’s game evolved as he emerged as the clear leader of the Wolfpack. His jump in production was astounding.

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His bigger role led to more shots and more buckets (12.1 to 23.5 PPG) at a similar efficiency rate to his sophomore season (almost 44 FG% both years) where he shot almost half as many field goals (9.4 to 17.3). His free throw rate jumped up as well, shooting 8.3 a game (up from 4.3) with a 86.5 FT% (up from 73.3%).

If you’re an advanced stats kind of guy, he also largely improved there. His PER shot up to 24.0 from 17.4 his sophomore year, his offensive rating went from 110.6 to 119.5, and his offensive win shares per 40 changed from .127 to .171. Point is, the guy had a good year.

This stems from his absolutely explosive speed. One of the fastest guys in the draft, Barber has the quickness and handles to make a smooth transition to the NBA. Check out how he comes out of this half-court trap for the dime:

And these nasty crossovers:

And this nice spin move for good measure:

This is the type of point guard that could really elevate the kind of offense the Pacers want to run. Indiana can easily push the ball with Barber at the helm, and his aggression would do wonders for the bench unit. The players that were supposed to be able to create their own shots off the bench last year (namely Stuckey) didn’t play up to par, and Barber could be a solution to the problem. That being said, there could be a problem in him trying to do too much by himself, creating a bench unit that sits back and spectates just like the rotational players with Lance Stephenson at the head did a few years ago. A balance would have to be found.

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His biggest flaw physically is his strength. 173 pounds is on the lighter side and he lacks the strength to avoid being bullied around by the bigger and tougher guards in the NBA. His shot isn’t necessarily perfect, and the three-point shot wasn’t a big factor in his game until last year (and even then he clocked in at under 4 a game). Luckily, these are things that can be developed and improved on. If he were to bulk up a bit and work on his shooting stroke in his first couple years, he could turn into a star point guard in the league.

Knowing this, Barber decided to fully enter the draft earlier this year, changing his plan of testing the waters without an agent. His draft stock comes in at a bit of an awkward point for the Pacers. While his name is rising on draft boards as we near June, he’s sitting at about early second round to even mid-second round on most mocks today.

Nabbing Barber with the 20 may be seen as a stretch to some analysts, but for a guy with almost immediate backup potential and possible starter potential in the future, it might just be worth it. If his draft stock truly stays where it is and Barber’s name isn’t heard in the first round, Bird could be looking at a trade-up with his 50 pick and other assets. For his skill set, a second round grab could easily turn into one of the steals of the draft looking back in a few years. All things considered, he’s one of the best point guard options the Pacers have in the 2016 draft.

Next: Ben Bentil, Providence

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