8P9S NBA Mock Draft 1.0: With the 26th pick, the Indiana Pacers select…

DURHAM, NC - FEBRUARY 16: Zion Williamson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts during their game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Cameron Indoor Stadium on February 16, 2019 in Durham, North Carolina. Duke won 94-78. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
DURHAM, NC - FEBRUARY 16: Zion Williamson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts during their game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Cameron Indoor Stadium on February 16, 2019 in Durham, North Carolina. Duke won 94-78. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
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Tre Jones of the Duke Blue Devils
BLACKSBURG, VA – FEBRUARY 26: Tre Jones #3 of the Duke Blue Devils defends against Wabissa Bede #3 of the Virginia Tech Hokies in the first half at Cassell Coliseum on February 26, 2019 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Lauren Rakes/Getty Images)

No. 24 — Boston Celtics: Tre Jones, PG

School: Duke | Class: Freshman | Height: 6’2” | Weight: 185 | Age: 18

Let me start this segment by saying this: Terry Rozier sucks. Now that we have that out-of-the-way, the Celtics will be in the market to add a backup point guard and the perfect candidate is on the board. The Celtics have already added two guys who I consider lottery talents, so let’s add a third and call it a heist.

Often underrated, it is easy to dismiss Jones due to his woeful shooting and smaller stature. But Jones has plenty of indicators that project him as a highly valuable guard in the NBA, such as his uber-elite decision-making and passing, fantastic defensive ability and underrated handle and finishing ability.

If he can ever learn to shoot (and teaching the spot three is not rocket science) Jones will bring major value in a similar vein to Monte Morris who is a supremely valuable player due to his elite decision making and excellent shooting.

Even if Jones can only get to 35% or so, his élite defense should be enough to make up for his lack of élite shooting. — Ben Pfeifer