Indiana Pacers: Grading the team’s 2021 NBA Draft picks

After months of anticipation, the 2021 NBA Draft has now reached its conclusion. The Indiana Pacers, which were looking forward to the deep pool of prospects for some momentum heading into an important offseason, managed to add some interesting rookies who can help the team in the following campaign.

A rumor-filled draft night for the Pacers resulted in some modest moves, including a bunch of intermittent moves that netted them another first-round pick in the process. That, alongside the Blue and Gold’s own lottery pick, ensured that the team welcomed two talented prospects to improve the roster’s talent and upside.

How did the Indiana Pacers fare in the 2021 NBA Draft

Interestingly, the Indiana Pacers managed to abstain from a significant move involving a key player to reshape the team, as their newfound aggressiveness in the offseason entailed. Still, the relatively smooth sailing of the draft for the team could be a sign of things to come for the franchise in the offseason.

Ultimately, how did the team fare in the 2021 NBA Draft? In this piece, we give out grades for their two draft acquisitions: Chris Duarte with the 13th overall pick and Isaiah Jackson, the 22nd selection who was acquired through a trade-up.