Indiana Pacers: 3 draft prospects that fix defensive woes

2 of 3

Jonathan Kuminga – (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. /

Jonathan Kuminga – Forward (G-League)

While a player like Scottie Barnes might stick around if the Pacers land in the 8-12 range of the lottery, Jonathan Kuminga is going to require some luck in the lottery draw. He is projected to land in the top five of this draft thanks to his skill set at a premium position, which is always to be expected.

Kuminga brings plenty of size to the wing while also being a great overall athlete with quick feet and the tools to guard almost any position on the floor. He’s an explosive athlete that will be a killer in transition once he gets up to speed in the NBA. The only concerns with Kuminga are his forced shots and decision-making on the offensive end of the floor. Defensively, his length and upside are too rich to not gamble on at the top of the draft.

Indiana is desperate for a wing that can defend anywhere on the floor, especially if that wing has a 6-foot-11 wingspan with elite athleticism and quickness. He is going to be an impact player at the next level with his length contributing to steals, blocks, and rebounds while the athleticism will turn those into transition buckets.

Kuminga averaged 7.2 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game with the G-League Ignite last season and should carry that over to the NBA.

Home/Pacers Draft