Pacers Draft Prep: Wesley Iwundu has an NBA body, but does he have an NBA game?
By Luke Parrish
Draft talk is heating up as we near the final stretch. Kansas State Forward Wesley Iwundu is an intriguing option for the Indiana Pacers in the second round.
Wesley Iwundu played four years at Kansas State, with his final two seasons being his best with the Wildcats. Iwundu has the physical traits, standing at 6-foot-7 with an incredible 7-foot-1 wingspan. He definitely has the frame to be an NBA player, assuming he fills out and continues to build.
So can he be an asset for the Indiana Pacers, or should Kevin Pritchard look somewhere else in the draft?
Let’s take a look.
Strengths
Iwundu has the size and athleticism to compete at the next level. He can sky above the rim for a powerful finish and grab boards, as he sports a 36 inch vertical. He has a strong upper body and long arms, giving him a high ceiling on both ends of the floor.
His overall scoring has improved each year since his sophomore campaign and so have his shooting percentages from the field and the free-throw line. These increases give a glimpse into the offensive weapon he can become.
His lengthy frame can also help generate turnovers and contest shots on the other end. His college numbers weren’t spectacular, with just 1.3 steals and 0.6 blocks per 40 minutes. However, things could change in the NBA with offenses having to account for better help defense.
Weaknesses
Iwundu doesn’t have the best 3-point shot, having shot just under 34 percent over his career. It’s likely his offense will have to come from the mid-range and closer. He also struggled taking care of the ball, turning it over three times per 40 minutes.
His free throw percentage isn’t great, even though it has improved over the years. He only knocked down 68.9 percent of his freebies at Kansas State, which isn’t exactly ideal for a wing.
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Iwundu is likely not an option for Indiana at No. 18, but should he be there at No. 47, the Pacers should consider him. His game will continue to grow with his body, and he has true NBA upside.