Heading into the 2018 NBA Draft, the Indiana Pacers have a lot of flexibility and options with their current assets. They hold the 23rd and 50th picks but have a few realistic options in terms of trading up or down. What should they do? Our 8 Points, 9 Seconds team answers that question and more in this roundtable.
Given rumors circulating around the league and your own personal wishlists, what are some viable trade partners for the Indiana Pacers come draft night?
Jonathan Matthes: The Denver 14th pick should be explored, same for Phoenix at the 16th. The Clippers back to back at 12 and 13 seems like too much of a stretch. Same for Memphis moving 19 spots back to unload Chandler Parsons. But those Nuggets and Suns picks could be obtainable.
Denver is threatening the tax, and even an extra million could be problematic in retaining and/or improving a team that barely missed the playoffs. Moving back or out of the first round entirely isn’t a stretch for them. Similiar case for the Suns, they just need to add players. This draft has a ton of defensive-minded guards that will be available at 23. The Indiana Pacers could move back, get a little something extra and still draft a compliment to Devin Booker. They already have the 1, 31 and 59 picks.
Tony East: There are two directions to look at this, trade up or trade down. I think the Parsons and #4 stuff is probably out of the realm of possibility for the Pacers give the cap requirements and value of the #4 pick, so let’s focus on some smaller moves.
Obviously, you have the 14 and Kenneth Faried for Jefferson idea floating around. Which is fine and dandy. I think Indy would do that, but I don’t think Denver would. They could trade Faried elsewhere and not have to take back Jefferson. Plus that is a lot to give up for financial flexibility.
A more realistic upward move could be taking on Jason Smith and the 15th pick from Washington and sending back pick 23. The Pacers would essentially move up 8 slots for taking on Jason Smith’s 5.7 million dollar salary. And Washington needs help cutting money. I like it.
They could also move back via Atlanta or Philly. Atlanta has picks 30 and 34, which is close to even value for 23, and Philly has picks 26, 38, and 39. 26 + one of those seconds could entice the Pacers to drop back and grab two young guys. In a deeper draft, that might not be a bad move. Indiana has tons of options, but Atlanta, Washington, and Philly are the most viable three to me.
Dylan Hughes: I think the most viable candidate is Denver. Once it was reported that Denver wanted to move down in order to move off some salary, many inside Pacers Twitter got excited. It makes sense, as the Pacers have some deals on the books that aren’t fully guaranteed—which would allow the Nuggets to save some money.
As proposed by ESPN’s Bobby Marks, a trade that makes sense is Al Jefferson and no. 23 for Kenneth Faried and no. 14. Indiana would take on Faried’s one-year, $13.7 million remaining—which could either replace a departing Thaddeus Young at the four or play a backup role. Denver would just have to stretch Jefferson’s $4 million guaranteed, which would allow them to save over $12 million in this year’s salary plus potential luxury tax payments.
Kagan Kiesel: The Pacers have been linked with A LOT of potential trade targets; some realistic, some not so much. In my personal opinion, I would love to pick up Kemba Walker. While I think he could be a great co-star alongside Victor Oladipo and Myles Turner, Charlotte wouldn’t part with him easily, and it would most likely result in Indiana acquiring a nasty Hornet contract (i.e. Marvin Williams or Nicolas Batum).
Another player I think we’ve all seen a lot of links to is Kenneth Faried. While I would like 2014 Faried over 2017 Faried, if it resulted in Indiana moving up in the draft, I could deal with it. The main trade idea I’ve seen thrown around is this year’s 23rd overall pick and Al Jefferson for Faried and Denver’s 14th overall pick.
What’s in it for Denver you may ask? Denver gets to lose Faried’s 13 million dollars he’s set to make this next season. By gaining Al, they can waive his 6 million that he’s not guaranteed, therefore freeing up 9 million dollars in cap space that they can then use to re-sign Nikola Jokic after next season. Indiana would also get a decent forward in Faried, and could use the higher draft pick to potentially pick up someone like Mikal Bridges or Miles Bridges, should they be available.
Ryan Eggers: After the success we saw from Pritchard’s offseason moves last year, the draft would be the perfect opportunity for another Pritch-slap. I’m not sure if they have a guy they’re in love with who’s billed around the end of the first, but if not, they have a few options to move around. I’m firmly in the “yes” camp of Faried and 14, but I’ve heard so many rumors about Faried over the years, I won’t believe it until I see it. Realistically, with how deep the draft is, I’m intrigued by both trades up and trades down.
Are the Indiana Pacers better off taking a shot with their No. 23 pick, or should they piece it off in a trade on draft night?
Matthes: Depends on who they get or what they are offered. I think the world of Donte DiVincenzo and believe he would be an excellent Pacer, ditto for Cincinnati’s Jacob Evans. If Indy could move up, they’d almost guarantee to get one of them. If they trade the pick to bring in an established player, ok, I guess. The Pacers have done that before to mixed results. It just depends on whom they are getting in return and whom they are passing up.
East: I think they should make a selection. They need some youth in the pipeline that shows promise to pair with TJ Leaf, and this selection seems like their best chance to get that unless they move up. Youth is also cheap to keep on the roster, so it could be a way to improve the roster without spending a ton. Taking, and hitting, a shot at 23 could completely change the trajectory of the franchise (as could any move, but a good selection gives you the most options) and makes the most sense for the front office to pursue.
Hughes: Indiana should be fine staying put, moving up, or moving down. This is a deep draft all the way through the early second round. They could get a player they like at no. 23, drop down and pick up an extra asset, or make a small payment with a team like Denver to get a lottery talent. There are a lot of paths to take, and they should end up with a good player either way.
Kiesel: I would really like to see the Indiana Pacers keep the pick, or at least keep a pick. I think this is a very talented class, and unless it was an offer that is nearly impossible to pass up, I would very much like to see the Pacers hang onto the 23rd pick. However, I would personally do that Faried trade I’ve previously mentioned. I think it puts us in a good position to get a really key player for the future at the 14 slot and adds a solid player at a position we could be a significantly weaker in should Thad choose not to re-sign.
Do I think that specific Denver trade will happen? No. But regardless of what trade we may or may not make, I just hope we retain a first round pick, whether it is 23rd or not.
Eggers: If they are to trade the pick, I’d hope that it’s either in a package where they move up or down in the first round. With this year’s draft class, I want Pritchard and his scouts to swing for the fences and grab a young player to develop. With Leaf having a bit of an ambiguous future with the Pacers after a lackluster season, Indiana needs prospects.
Who are your targets for the Indiana Pacers to look at it in the second round, either at pick No. 50 or in a potential trade up?
Matthes: There’s a good chance that Landry Shamet will fall there. But I like a trio of seniors with Indiana ties: Bonzie Colson (PF/ Notre Dame), Trevon Bluiett (G-F/ Xavier and Park Tudor), and Kelan Martin (PF/ Butler). All three can have an impact in their own respective ways. My favorite scenario is not selecting with this pick, but, as I talked about in my summer preview story, using it in a package for Goran Dragic. Miami has no selection in this draft and will be over the tax. If Indy offers Collison, this pick, a future first and some other non-guaranteed contracts, that could get it done.
East: Jevon Carter from West Virginia. Complete stud on defense who can stifle guys for all 94 feet of the court. He can also knock down shots and plays well around his limitations. Add in a high motor and you have a perfect second round pick. He might take a trade up to acquire, though. Another guy I like is Landry Shamet. I wrote about why I like him and his journey here. A last solid choice in the second round would be Rawle Alkins, a guy who showed that he could play at Arizona before he broke his foot. The Pacers love picking guys who get undervalued because of injury, so he would be a very Pacers-y pick at 50. Unfortunately, there’s a chance non of these guys are on the board when the Indiana Pacers are selecting at 50.
Hughes: As a Purdue fan, small forward Vince Edwards would be a great fit. He is a do-it-all Swiss Army knife that should be able to cement a bench role in the NBA. Edwards can score from beyond the arc and has a solid post game. He’s a great rebounder for his size and a strong defender.
Kiesel: The 50th pick is tough to predict, because once the second round starts, really anyone can go anywhere. One player I like at the guard position is Landry Shamet. He is a good scorer, makes good decisions with the ball in his hands, and proved to be a solid ball handler during his three years at Wichita State. If the Pacers pick someone like Keita Bates-Diop in the first, I could see them going for someone like Shamet in the second.
A player I think could be a real steal in the second round if the Pacers can snag him is Jarred Vanderbilt. A five-star recruit out of high school, Jarred Vanderbilt struggled with foot injuries during most of his time at Kentucky. He’s 6-foot-9 with a wing-span of over 7 feet. He’s a good rebounder and an all-around athletic freak. His biggest setback, however, is his shooting. He really can’t hit outside shots and seems to prefer staying in the paint. This is will create a problem for him in the NBA, as he will most likely be constantly mismatched down low. Vanderbilt is a project, but he’s shown a lot of potential and could be a gem, should he fulfill it.
Eggers: I wouldn’t mind seeing Indiana throw a Hoosier a bone and grab a guy like Vincent Edwards or Kelan Martin, though both would be pretty safe, throwaway-ish picks. If the Pacers really wanted to swing for the fences, a guy like Trevon Duval would be interesting for me. NBA body, raw game. He’d be a project, but with the amount of time the Pacers have invested in Joe Young, a project with a player that has the athleticism of Duval could reap excellent rewards.
Thinking realistically, what pool of players would you like to see considered with the No. 23 spot?
Matthes: Not a center, there are a ton of centers in this draft and Indiana needs none of them. Same case for a ball-dominant guard, if the selectee can’t play off-the-ball it would be a waste of a pick. A guard who can compliment Oladipo and stretch the floor, however, that would be the ticket. There are a lot of options there and would be a smart group to target. And you can never have enough shooting.
East: My group would be the Jalen Brunson, Troy Brown, Keita Bates-Diop, Kevin Huerter, and Gary Trent. All of those guys have shown that they are talented at multiple skills and could be great NBA players at some point. And they all could be available at 23.
Hughes: I would be surprised if Zhaire Smith was still available at 23. DiVincenzo may still be available. If neither are there, though, taking a shot on USC’s De’Anthony Melton may be a worthy risk. He has a raw offensive game with a lot of room to grow as a shooter. Melton has good vision as a passer, though, and is a great rebounder for his position. Where he really shines is on defense. For fans that want to sign Marcus Smart this summer, Melton may turn into a cheaper option with more time to develop his jumper. Creighton’s Khyri Thomas should have no problem shooting over 40 percent from deep and has the tools to defend well on the perimeter. I wouldn’t be upset if they took him.
Kiesel: If I had to pick four players that I could see the Pacers possibly selecting, it would probably be Aaron Holiday, who may or may not fall to Indiana, Jalen Brunson, who would definitely be a little bit of a reach, Keita Bates-Diop, or Jacob Evans. Although it may be a reach, the player I’d most like to see in Indiana might have to be Jalen Brunson.
He’s last year’s Men’s College Player of the Year, a two-time NCAA champion with, and Nova coach Jay Wright has recently described him as, “a combination of Randy Foye and Kyle Lowry, the best of both”. Aaron Holiday is also a decent point guard the Pacers could pick up. The brother of Pelicans point guard Jrue Holiday, he’s a good catch and shoot player, and can get crafty near the rim if he has to. While I don’t think he will fall to the Pacers, he’s another player I would be fine with Indiana grabbing.
If the Pacers want to go for someone at the small forward slot, I could definitely see them going after Bates-Diop or Jacob Evans. They both are above-average shooters, but Jacob Evans has this drive on defense that I don’t always see in Bates-Diop. Once again, I’d be content with Indiana selecting either one of these guys, should they choose to go for a forward over a point guard.
Eggers: The Indiana Pacers are probably looking at a list of guards and wings, including Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo, Khyri Thomas, Keita Bates-Diop, etc. At the 23 pick, the Pacers will have to be a lot more flexible than usual. Things may shake out a lot differently than planned, especially with a draft class as unique as this one. Don’t be surprised to see moves made if the Pacers start losing their big board in the late teens.
It’s time to make your case. In your realistic best-case scenario, who is your dream player at No. 23?
Matthes: DiVincenzo. He fits everything that Indiana could want in a guard that adds to (and not subtracts from) Oladipo. He plays well of defense, handles the ball well, sees the floor well and has a versatile offensive game. He and Victor could trade ball-handling duties and both be able to thrive off-the-ball. We know Indiana likes him after he got a lot of attention during his workout with the Pacers. He’s barely scratched the surface of what he can do on the basketball court, he’ll explode (in a good way) in the NBA.
East: Jalen Brunson. National player of the year doesn’t actually mean anything (the Kings have two of them on their roster and they both aren’t special) but Brunson seems to be a complete stud. He can hit shots from all over the court, he can run an NBA offense, he’s a winner, and he is methodical with his movements. His individual workout with the team went well, and he showed smarts and poise in his interviews. I love him as a prospect.
Hughes: I have always wanted Zhaire Smith. Out of all the prospects projected to go 10-30, I think Smith has the highest ceiling and best chance at becoming a superstar. He needs to shoot well on a larger sample size than college and develop on the ball more. He’s so comfortable off the ball, which makes him a great fit next to Victor Oladipo. And he is a willing defender, which is important.
Kiesel: As you may be able to tell by my responses so far, I am a big fan of Brunson. He’s a smart, technically sound, NBA-ready point guard that I think could slide right into Indiana’s bench, and maybe even down the road, a starting role. He’s got a good head on his shoulders (he graduated from Villanova in three years), and has the NBA in his blood, as he’s the son of former NBA player Rick Brunson. While he may be a reach in this draft, he is a player I could realistically see having a long and successful NBA career due to his willingness to distribute the ball, but also to score when he needs to.
Eggers: Khyri Thomas. He might not have as much superstar potential as other late picks, but he does seem to have the best combination of skillset and fit with the Indiana Pacers. In an ideal world, he develops into the perfect young off-guard alongside Oladipo. If his shot translates, he’ll have no issue getting big minutes on the floor. A defensive backcourt of Oladipo and Thomas would make Dan Burke salivate. Thomas was the Big East Defensive Player of the Year two years in a row. His offensive ceiling isn’t too high, but his odds of being a capable starter are much more likely than what you’d expect to get at No. 23.
Next: Pacers schedule sixth pre-draft workout for Tuesday
That’s all, folks! Buckle up, it’s going to be a crazy night. For the Pacers, for you, and for the league.