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Indiana Pacers: Draft or pass? 4 lottery prospects in play

By Luke Parrish

Florida State Seminoles guard Scottie Barnes (4) reacts after a basket against the Colorado Buffaloes in the second half during the second round of the 2021 NCAA Tournament on Monday, March 22, 2021, at Indiana Farmers Coliseum in Indianapolis, Ind. Mandatory Credit: Albert Cesare/IndyStar via USA TODAY Sports
Florida State Seminoles guard Scottie Barnes (4) reacts after a basket against the Colorado Buffaloes in the second half during the second round of the 2021 NCAA Tournament on Monday, March 22, 2021, at Indiana Farmers Coliseum in Indianapolis, Ind. Mandatory Credit: Albert Cesare/IndyStar via USA TODAY Sports /
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Indiana Pacers
Davion Mitchell would fit the Indiana Pacers – Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

The Indiana Pacers need to hit on their first draft pick in 2021.

If the Indiana Pacers land a lottery pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, they will have a shot at an instant-impact player. As they enter the play-in tournament, the Pacers are expected to miss the playoffs and wind up at the bottom of the lottery, although anything can happen when the draft order is announced.

With a lot of talent in the lottery and beyond, which prospects should the Pacers be excited about, and which guys should they pass on if they are on the board?

Davion Mitchell – Guard (Baylor)

Arguably the biggest problem for the Pacers this season has been their perimeter defense. With Myles Turner out for the back half of the season, everything has fallen apart on that end of the floor. Davion Mitchell is a name to watch at the end of the lottery, the range the Pacers should plan on selecting.

Unless things go really well in the lottery draw, the Pacers will probably be picking in the 10-14 range of this draft but there will be plenty of talent to be had. Mitchell is an incredible two-way guard with a knack for steals and tough defending on that end. His ability to shoot from the perimeter is just the cherry on top.

Mitchell would be a solid backup to Malcolm Brogdon and the leader of the bench unit assuming T.J. McConnell leaves in free agency. He could also be capable of starting next to Caris LeVert if Brogdon is traded at some point this offseason or in the future.

Of all the guards in Indiana’s range, Mitchell is the guy to hope for in this draft class because he brings everything this team is currently lacking.

Verdict: Draft

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