Who might the Pacers target in the 2018 NBA draft?

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PITTSBURGH, PA – JANUARY 10: Wendell Carter Jr #34 of the Duke Blue Devils in action against at Petersen Events Center on January 10, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Forwards/Bigs

Wendell Carter Jr. – PF/C – Duke

Marvin Bagley III has been the Duke freshman big man that everyone has raved about this season, as he will likely be a top 3 pick come June. However, Wendell Carter isn’t too far behind in both talent and potential at the next level.

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The 6’10, 260-pound big man would be one of the most talked about players in college basketball if he played anywhere else in the country. But even playing alongside of Bagley, Carter has averaged a solid 13.5 points, 9.1 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game in just 25 minutes of play.

His game has been compared to Al Horford, due to his solid footwork, a strong face-up game, and a developing variety of post moves.

Carter would be a great replacement for Thaddeus Young, who could potentially be a free agent this offseason, and would strongly compliment the game of Myles Turner on both ends of the floor.

BATON ROUGE, LA – FEBRUARY 04: Texas A&M Aggies forward Robert Williams (44) shoots against LSU Tigers forward Brian Bridgewater (20) during the game between Texas A&M and LSU on February 04, 2017 at Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge, LA. Texas A&M Aggies won 85-73. (Photo by Stephen Lew/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Robert Williams – PF/C – Texas A&M

Texas A&M’s sophomore big man is a unique player, that paired with Myles Turner would give the Pacers a lot of length, athleticism, versatility, shot blocking and rebounding.

While the 6’10 forward, who possesses a rare 7’4 wingspan, still has plenty of room for improvement and struggles mightily with consistency, the upside is undeniable.

While at one point Williams was considered a lock to be a lottery pick, I believe he has lost that value this season due to poor performances in big games and because of off the court trouble.

However, when you get a guy that can do a lot of different things this late in the draft, especially when your team is rebuilding, you don’t hesitate. Williams would be a good fit for the Pacers.

LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 31: Chimezie Metu #4 for the USC Trojans handles the ball against Robert Franks #3 of the Washington State Cougars during a PAC12 college basketball game at Galen Center on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images) /

Chimezie Metu – PF/C – USC

If you’re looking for someone who tries to rip the rim off the goal every time they step foot on the court, Chimezie Metu is your guy. The USC junior big man has been very good this season, averaging 16.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting 53% from the field, and 45% from three.

He’s shown flashes of extreme athleticism, a very soft touch around the rim, and the ability to add new dimensions to his game (3-pointers this season), however, he has struggled mightily with inconsistency.

There are some nights when Metu looks like he could be a 20 and 10 guy at the next level, and other nights he looks like he may not be trying. While you worry about his love and devotion to the game, if Metu is available you can’t pass up his potential, especially late in the first round.

Next: Another setback for Myles Turner

If you get a consistent Metu, he could be a great candidate to play the role of scoring big man off the bench if Domantas Sabonis were to move into the starting five when Thaddeus Young becomes a free agent.

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