After months of anticipation, the 2022 NBA Draft is finally over. The Indiana Pacers, following a meager campaign, finished the night with three new prospects as they bolster their roster for the following season.
That being said, how did the Pacers fare in each of their draft selections? Without further ado, here is our individual grades on each pick.
Grading the Indiana Pacers’ 2022 NBA Draft picks: Bennedict Mathurin
Following the most likely scenario, the Pacers stood pat at No. 6 and wasted no time picking Bennedict Mathurin. The 6’6 wing, whose draft stock increased in the lead-up to the NBA Draft, was projected by many to land in Indiana with the top-five firmly set.
Admittedly, Mathurin was a safe pick for the Pacers, one that may prompt some murmurs considering the available upside at that juncture. However, he simply made the most sense for the Blue and Gold with players at this tier becoming bona fide gambles. Shaedon Sharpe is a massive-risk, massive-reward prospect, and AJ Griffin, who fell all the way to No. 16, was catapulted down by his injury history.
Back to the basketball side, there’s no doubt that Mathurin is a great choice for the Pacers, both talent and fit-wise. An extremely athletic swingman, he projects as a great fit next to Tyrese Haliburton. He can play with and without the ball, and boasts a stable jump shot that should translate well to the big league. Even more, he can dish the ball out to his teammates, viably serving as a secondary playmaker on the constant.
Aside from his fit with Indiana’s core, Mathurin has loads of upside, easily touting All-Star potential. The Pacers brass love this selection, and it’s not difficult at all to see why.
Grade: A