Our draft grade if this is how the 2023 draft pans out: A+(+)
If we could give this a double A plus we absolutely would. The Pacers would get an almost certainty in Cam Whitmore out of Villanova, a high upside guy in Dariq Whitehead out of Duke, and another forward for a position in need from Phillips out of Tennessee.
We think this would create a phenomenal second draft since the acquisition of Tyrese Haliburton and set the Pacers up with a sure foundation as they look to climb to compete in the Eastern Conference in a few years. And pending if one of these standouts were to turn into an all-star level player, the Pacers could become competitive much faster than they likely intiially had hoped.
However, there is always the chance that the Pacers try to package these picks and turn them into an already established all-star, although only time will tell what the front office is thinking for the next offseason.
Indiana Pacers: 50 greatest Pacers players [2023 update]
The Indiana Pacers are a storied franchise, even though many casual NBA fans may not realize it. But back in the ABA days, the Pacers were a force.