The Indiana Pacers get a solid consolation if they fall to 14th in the NBA Draft Lottery
Odds: 2.3 percent
Best Prospect: Franz Wagner
Another slim possibility, the only impetus that will push the Indiana Pacers down to 14th is if the Golden State Warriors, the team with the smallest odds for a top 4 pick, manages to eke out an even bigger shocker than the Blue and Gould could possibly brew.
If so, Michigan’s Franz Wagner should be the main target. Most simulations have him from 10 to 20, but his skillset can easily catapult him to the top 10. His deft shooting touch, court awareness and basketball IQ are all easy fits with the Pacers’ newfound explosiveness and modernity on offense. He should thrive in the modern game seamlessly.
His defense is above-average, able to function as an on-ball or off-ball defender with his length and awareness. His steals and blocks numbers look promising, and as long as he adapts to the pace of the NBA with relative ease, he should fill in a lot of needs for the Indiana Pacers.