2021 NBA Draft profile: Tennessee guard Jaden Springer
By Luke Parrish
Why is Jaden Springer an option for the Indiana Pacers?
The Indiana Pacers have a lot of work to do before the 2021 NBA Draft later this month. With a lottery pick in their hands, Indiana has a chance to walk away with a high-upside prospect to shape the future. Tennessee guard Jaden Springer is one of several prospects in Indiana’s range as things inch closer.
Springer enters the NBA Draft after just one season with the Volunteers where he averaged 12.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.9 assists. With age still on his side and plenty of potential on both ends of the floor, taking Springer with the 13th overall pick is not the worst idea for the Pacers.
The list of prospects projected at the end of the lottery is extensive as there is no consensus beyond the top pick this year. The Pacers will likely explore options in the backcourt and on the wing in this draft. Although I do prefer a wing at this spot in particular, taking a chance on a defensive guard if the top wings are gone is not the end of the world.
Jaden Springer brings a lot to the table as a lengthy guard who can handle his own on the defensive end and knock down open shots on the other end. What makes Springer an intriguing option for the Pacers as they fight their way back into the mix in the Eastern Conference?