Indiana Pacers: Grading the franchise's last 4 drafts

Indiana Pacers: Grading the franchise’s last 4 drafts

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 08: T.J. Leaf #22 of the Indiana Pacers is seen during the game against the Detroit Pistons at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 8, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

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T.J. Leaf – Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Indiana Pacers 2017 Draft

First-round selection: T.J. Leaf

Second-round selection: Ike Anigbogu

This is a much easier pairing to place a grade on. The Pacers whiffed on T.J. Leaf and passed up the opportunity to land OG Anunoby, John Collins, and Jarrett Allen in favor of Leaf who never panned out in the league. Leaf appeared in just 35 games over the last two seasons and has averaged a whopping 3.3 points per game over his career.

He was expected to be a good stretch big with some range but that was never the case. He shot 42.9 from deep in his rookie season but never topped 28 percent again in his career. The Pacers missed, and they missed badly.

Ike Anigbogu was nothing short of a project selection that has not stayed healthy, which is a shame. His NBA opportunity still has not come and it appears it probably never will.

Draft grade: F

There won’t be many draft classes easier to grade than this one. Indiana passed up on several high-impact players, including a prospect from right here in the state that filled a position of need and value, in favor of a player who might not see the NBA again. This is why fans have trust issues with the Front Office on Draft Night.

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