Indiana Pacers: Top prospects to target in the second round

LSU Tigers forward Trendon Watford (2) gets high fives as he walks off the court at halftime during their game against the Michigan Wolverines during the second round of the 2021 NCAA Tournament on Monday, March 22, 2021, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind. Mandatory Credit: Sam Owens/IndyStar via USA TODAY Sports /

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Trendon Watford – Credit: Joshua Bickel-USA TODAY Sports /

Trendon Watford could be an option for the Indiana Pacers

LSU was able to land Trendon Watford out of high school, gifting the Tigers one of the nation’s top recruits during his cycle. After two seasons at LSU, Watford has entered the NBA Draft for the second time but may not want to head back to school this time around. With youth still on his side, now might be the best time to head to the NBA.

Watford never really found his rhythm as a shooter in college, hitting on just 29 percent of his 3PA and 66 percent of his free throws. He will make his name as a scoring threat in the frontcourt but he lacks elite athleticism and struggles to play above the rim.

Listed as a forward, it is pretty clear that Watford would be best-suited to play the four for the Pacers given his length and scoring ability. If he could develop into a serviceable defender, he can be a good role player. At 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot-1 wingspan, Watford hauled in 7.3 rebounds and 1.7 STOCKS per game over two years.

The connection to Indiana is strong with Watford as well. His brother, Christian Watford, was a standout forward at Indiana University and hit one of the most iconic shots in college hoops history. Can the Pacers find success with the younger Watford?

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