Indiana Pacers: 3 NBA Draft prospects who could fall to No. 31

As consolation for registering one of their worst seasons ever, the Indiana Pacers have an eventful opportunity to look forward to with the 2022 NBA Draft, where they tout a great chance at nabbing a top selection for the first time in franchise history.

While fans and followers of the team have their eyes firmly set on the jackpot, the Pacers also own picks 31 and 60, giving them even more ammo to find talent in the second round of the draft. This time, we zoom in on the best prospects that Indiana could nab with the 31st pick.

Target No. 1 for the Indiana Pacers with the 31st pick in the 2022 NBA Draft

Ousmane Dieng | SG/SF | New Zealand | 6’9” | 216 LBS

In our two recent mock drafts, we were high on Ousmane Dieng, with one of our writers even going as high as ninth in his draft forecast for Dieng. However, the upcoming rookie pool is filled with talented wings, opening the possibility for the young Frenchman to fall in the late first-round or even early second-round, depending on the draft combine.

Should Dieng remain on the board, the Indiana Pacers should have no business sidestepping. At that point, he’s arguably the best high-ceiling prospect available. More importantly, he fills a position of need for the team, as the Pacers currently lack length on the wing positions which doomed them on the defensive end.

Aside from Oshae Brissett, the Pacers only have the heavy flight risk of the ghost of TJ Warren to man the big wing spot. With Dieng, Indiana will have a versatile and lanky ball handler who can defend and score with his buttery touch. His jump shot remains a work in progress, but playing for Rick Carlisle’s up-tempo system could accelerate his growth in those areas.