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Pacers Draft Prep: Moses Kingsley is a second round option

By Josh Padmore

Mar 4, 2017; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Moses Kingsley (33) motions to the crowd after the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Bud Walton Arena. Arkansas defeated Georgia 85-67. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Moses Kingsley (33) motions to the crowd after the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Bud Walton Arena. Arkansas defeated Georgia 85-67. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
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Moses Kingsley received a late invite from the Pacers for a pre-draft workout on Tuesday. Kingsley could be a option for the Pacers in the second round if he impressed them.

The Indiana Pacers are doing their part in scouting prospects for the upcoming 2017 NBA Draft, in which they have two picks. They could use one of the picks on Moses Kingsley, a senior out of Arkansas.

During his senior season, Kingsley averaged 12 points, 7.7 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game. He also showed signs of a potential 3-point shot, as he made 7 of 16 three-pointers during the season. During his previous three years, he only made one three-pointer. He’s looking to do what Bobby Portis of the Chicago Bulls did: make it to the NBA coming out of a Arkansas, not a traditional basketball power.

Strengths

Kingsley’s calling card is his defense. He has the fourth highest blocks per game average (1.9) in Arkansas school history. He did that despite having a very limited role during his freshman and sophomore season. Kingsley is a guy who can impact the game without scoring, which is valuable in today’s NBA.

Another strength of Kingsley’s is his body. He’s very strong, and he has an impressive 7’2″ wingspan. That will help him tremendously at the NBA level. At 6’10” and 236 pounds, Kingsley is an intimidating presence in the paint.

One more strength of Kingsley’s is his improvement in his shot, as mentioned earlier. Not only did he start knocking down three-pointers during his senior season, but he also improved his free-throw percentage nicely. He shot 75.7 percent from the foul-line, which is very solid for a big man. He didn’t eclipse 65 percent during his previous three seasons at Arkansas.

Weaknesses

Despite his improved shot, Kingsley isn’t much of an offensive player. A lot of his baskets came from easy shots at the rim, but he did have some impressive moves here and there during his senior year. His defense is great, but he’s going to need to continue to improve offensively if he wants to carve out a solid role in the NBA.

Kingsley also needs to move around a bit better on the floor. He runs the floor well, but it could be a little tough for him to close out on guys like Ryan Anderson in the NBA. One more thing is that he’s got to find out whether he’s a four or a five at the NBA level.

Next: A cost-benefit analysis of Lavoy Allen

Kingsley is expected to be selected late in the second round/undrafted. He’s appeared on mock drafts often over the past year, but is currently on the outside looking in on DraftExpress and NBADraft.Net. I think he looks like an NBA player, so even if he goes undrafted, a team should scoop him up.

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