Indiana Pacers: Grading the team’s 2022 NBA Draft picks

Grading the Indiana Pacers’ 2022 NBA Draft picks: Kendall Brown

Just when everybody expected the Indiana Pacers to stand pat and settle for what’s available to them at No. 60 (or 58), the team landed the 48th pick in a sudden trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves and used that to snag Kendall Brown.

This is a tremendous move by the Pacers front office, as Brown was widely projected to be a mid-to late first-round selection who somehow remained on the board until the late second round. After making a rather questionable pick in Nembhard, Indiana redeemed itself by nabbing an early candidate for this year’s steal of the draft.

A 6’7 forward, Brown is yet another elite athlete who thrives in transition, using his bounce to impact the game both offensively and defensively. He is one of this draft class’ most efficient finishers, and has proven to be effective as a catch-and-shoot player, though his jump shot still has loads of room for improvement. He’s also not a shot creator, but the Pacers need off-ball players more with their litany of ball handlers.

Better yet, Brown fills a position of need for the Pacers, giving them more dimension outside of Oshae Brissett and more incentive to let TJ Warren go heading to free agency. This selection is definitely difficult to dislike.

Grade: A+