Indiana Pacers host successful first pre-draft workouts of 2017

The Indiana Pacers worked out six different players during pre-draft workouts on Monday morning.

Scouting NBA prospects is a long process. Pre-draft workouts aren’t the beginning of it, but it gets you a good look at some of the players. The Pacers worked out Josh Hart, Caleb Swanigan, Derrick White, Monte Morris, Wesley Iwundu and Jordan Bell. Here’s how the workouts went.

Jordan Bell

Jordan Bell is considered a late first-round talent in the 2017 NBA Draft. Known more for his defensive style of play, Bell has improved his draft stock as of late since participating at the draft combine.

Bell had many things to say, but one thing stood out the most to me:

"“Yeah, I think I can be the kind of defender like Draymond Green,” Bell said when talking about his defense. “Switch screens and be a help side shot blocker at my size.”"

Bell declared for the draft last month and hired an agent, meaning he’ll stay in the draft. The product from Oregon averaged 10.9 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game during the 2016-2017 season. He also shot 63.6 percent from the field and 70.1 percent from the free-throw line. Bell is just a smart player. Whoever drafts him will know what they will have in him. If he truly believes he can be like Draymond Green on the defensive end, his potential is sky high.

Monte Morris

Monte Morris is a senior point guard from Iowa State. While it’s looking very likely he’ll be drafted, it’d be shocking if he doesn’t go in the second round. Morris is a good team player. He got some advice from current Pacer, and former teammate, Georges Niang.

"“He said they love guys who talk and do things like that, so I just wanted to do that,” Morris said. “I sat in his locker today before I put on my stuff.”"

The Pacers loved Niang’s IQ, so Morris tried to take that advice and put it to use. He very well could be available when the Pacers pick in the second round at 47. During his senior season at Iowa State, Morris averaged 16.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game. Jay Williams, a college basketball analyst for ESPN, said during the combine that there’s no reason why he can’t be a backup point guard in the NBA.

Caleb Swanigan

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Caleb Swanigan is still unsure if he will stay in the draft tonight, but he’s a good looking prospect. Swanigan showed his hometown team, the Pacers, some love during his interview after working out for them:

"“Nothing’s like Indiana basketball,” Swanigan said. “It’s big to come here, have a team right here at home have interest in me.”"

Swanigan was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He spent most of his childhood in Indianapolis and Utah. He’s coming off an absolute dominant season at Purdue. The big fella averaged 18.5 points, 12.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game. He also shot a very impressive 44.7 percent from 3-point range. His biggest weakness is his defensive ability, as he isn’t much of a shot blocker and isn’t too quick on his feet. Still, Swanigan could very well be picked in the first round of the draft.

Wesley Iwundu

Wesley Iwundu is expected to be picked in the second round of the draft, but he could sneak into the first round. Like former Pacer Solomon Hill, Iwundu is known for his defense. He’s also improved a lot on his 3-point shot. Here’s what he had to say about becoming a 3-and-D type of player:

"“Just guarding a bunch of positions,” Iwundu said when asked what he’s trying to show teams. “It’s something I take pride on.”“Just getting in the gym a lot more,” Iwundu said when asked about his improved shot. “Focusing in the gym, working on my shot. Muscle memory every day, it paid off for me.”"

During his senior season at Kansas State, Iwundu averaged 13 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. He also shot 37.6 percent from 3-point land. That was a 17.6 percent increase from his junior season, when he shot 20 percent on 3s.

Derrick White

Derrick White benefitted tremendously from the draft combine. He went from invisible on mock drafts to a projected early second round pick. The 22-year old guard is known for his all-around play and defense. Here’s what he had to say about his rising draft stock:

"“I just did (at the combine) what I did all year,” White said. “Try to stay confident, try to be aggressive. I tested pretty well, just showcased the different things I can do on the court, and keep improving each and every opportunity I get.”"

White transferred to Colorado in 2015. Due to NCAA rules, White had to sit out the 2015-2016 season. During his senior and only year at Colorado, White averaged 18.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game. You can see why he’s flying up draft boards.

Josh Hart

Josh Hart is likely to be selected in the second round of the draft. Many think he can be a steal for a team. He’s the perfect fit in today’s NBA because of his versatility, on which he prides himself:

"“One through the four,” Hart said when asked what positions he sees himself playing in the NBA. “Right now, how basketball is, you have to be versatile. You can’t just play one position. I’m a basketball player, I’ll play whatever position I have to.”"

Hart, a national champion in 2016, put together a great senior season at Villanova. He averaged 18.7 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game. He shot 51 percent from the field and 40.4 percent from 3-point land. He’s a safe pick in the draft due to his versatility and maturity.

Next: 5 lottery scenarios that could impact the Pacers

The Pacers will host plenty more pre-draft workouts, so stay tuned. Look out for some guys like T.J. Leaf, John Collins and Dwayne Bacon, whom the Pacers interviewed at the combine.