5 Seniors the Pacers shouldn’t draft under any circumstances

Derrick Walton Jr.

The next undersized, 22-year-old guard the Pacers have worked out is Derrick Walton Jr., a senior from the University of Michigan. Walton was a four-year starter for the Wolverines, filling in for Trey Burke after he left for the pros. Just like Burke before him, don’t expect Walton to be a smashing NBA success.

Only 6-foot-0, Walton is already starting from behind. Similar to Bryce Alford, his calling card is his excellent shooting. Last season, Walton shot 42.2 percent from 3-point range and 87.6 percent from the free-throw line. His defense and athleticism are adequate enough that he got by in college. That likely won’t be the case at the next level.

Walton will have a hard time creating against NBA defenses, and I don’t trust him doing much other than spotting up. Not great for your lead ball handler. He defended fine at Michigan, but his 6-foot-2 wingspan just won’t cut it against opposing guards, and that’s only if he manages to stay in front of them. He has potential as a passer, but not enough to overcome all of his shortcomings.

Walton is very likely not an NBA player. I’m fine with the Pacers taking a chance on him at training camp, but not with the 47th pick.