A comprehensive guide to the Indiana Pacers 2019 NBA Draft

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Rui Hachimura #21 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs, and possible future member of the Indiana Pacers

MORAGA, CA – MARCH 02: Rui Hachimura #21 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs slam dunks against the Saint Mary’s Gaels during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game at McKeon Pavilion on March 2, 2019 in Moraga, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Prospects to avoid at 18

Rui Hachimura, F, Gonzaga

I went in-depth on why Indiana should avoid Hachimura here. His feel for the game on both ends is concerning, with a myopic offensive game and painfully unaware team defense. Despite some face-up scoring ability, his lack of passing and defense make him a prospect to avoid.

Nassir Little, F, North Carolina

Little likely doesn’t fall to 18, though I’d worry Kevin Pritchard would feel tempted to select the top recruit if he fell. He’s a great person, has a strong frame and undoubtedly killed workouts. However, he simply didn’t show he can play basketball at a high level, as he was awful on the defensive end and has no NBA skills on offense outside of his jumper. Without any handles, passing or defensive ability, Little has a long way to go until he can contribute in the NBA.

Keldon Johnson, F, Kentucky

Similar to Little, Johnson is likely to be off of the board by the Pacers selection. Indiana should be thankful for this, as Keldon Johnson is a low skill, low feel player without any real avenues to value. He’ll be a solid three-point shooter and on-ball defender, but his lack of athleticism, handle, or passing ability will make him struggle to provide positive offensive value.

As a defender, he zones in on his man, neglecting team defensive responsibilities. The Pacers can find shooters with no other skills on the scrap heap, making Johnson a poor choice at 18.

KZ Okpala, F, Stanford

Okpala’s physical tools and solid three-point shot make him appealing to many, though his decision making on offense is a huge inhibitor and he isn’t skilled enough to make up for it. He’s not laterally quick on offense, has poor technique and low defensive IQ, which means he’ll rely completely on his tools to be passable on defense. Players with as low feel as Okpala and his level of statistical failure often don’t succeed as NBA players.

Luguentz Dort, G, Arizona State

Dort is another player with excellent physical tools and a poor understanding of how to play basketball. With strength and a strong first step, he will be able to get to the rim and defend the ball. However, Dort struggled to finish at the rim, makes poor decisions, is a questionable shooter and a poor team defender. In the second round, I’d be fine with Dort as a swing on physical tools. At 18, hard pass.

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Anyone from UCLA

The Pacers’ love affair with UCLA prospects is well documented and unfortunately for them, there are three UCLA prospect this year, all of whom should be off of Indiana’s radar. Jaylen Hands is the best of the three, a point guard with athleticism and a pull-up jumper without any decision making or defensive ability. Kris Wilkes is a big wing who can create his own shot without any athleticism or decision making. Moses Brown is tall. That’s it. Kevin Pritchard, PLEASE avoid the UCLA well this season.

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