Who could the Indiana Pacers target if they trade up in the draft?
We’ve all heard the countless Indiana Pacers rumors about trade packages centered around Victor Oladipo and the Miami Heat or Myles Turner to the Celtics to bolster their frontcourt that lacks interior defense. But with the recent Milwaukee Buck’s acquisition of Jrue Holiday and the number of assets it took to get him, it’s reasonable to assume that the trade cost for Oladipo has exponentially increased.
With that being said, I think this is a real opportunity for the Pacers to trade for a prospect in this year’s draft who can contribute for years and help reestablish the culture for Pacers basketball. Here are two prospects that I think if given the opportunity, the Pacers should pull the trigger on trading into the draft for.
Isaac Okoro and Devin Vassell make sense for the Indiana Pacers
Although T.J. Warren’s growth defensively has been notable and should be acknowledged, with his offensive load and usage most likely going up, he may not have the energy to defend the opposing team’s primary scorers. This was magnified in the bubble against the Heat led by Jimmy Butler.
This brings us to Isaac Okoro, who is easily the best point-of-attack defender in this year’s draft. At 6-foot-6 and 225 pounds, the former Auburn Tiger is a monster of an athlete who looks to be a shoo-in for the All-Defensive First Team for the next decade once he learns the NBA game.
If we can get into the late top ten, Devin Vassell of Florida State should be the target and would instantly improve the team offensively and defensively with his borderline star level 3-and-D potential.
Regardless of if the trade is centered on Oladipo or Turner, these two players could instantly contribute to winning basketball, while having real potential to become at least All-Defensive First Teamers for years to come.