The 2023 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament round of 64 begins this Thursday, March 16th. Several top NBA prospects will engage in competition with their respective schools, giving Pacers fans a great opportunity to catch potential Pacer draft picks in action.
If the NBA season ended today, the Indiana Pacers would own picks 7 (own), 26 (via CLE), 29 (via BOS), and 31 (via HOU) in the 2023 NBA draft. In a draft many describe as generational, the Pacers are poised to make serious noise.
They’ll look to add wing depth and defensive ability, as well as athleticism and shooting where it’s available. These five players fit the needs of the team and project to be available around the Pacers’ current draft positions.
1. Jarace Walker- F, Houston; Projected Top-5
Jarace Walker already has NBA strength and size that propel him into top-5 territory of the 2023 draft. He’s 6’8″ with a 6’11” wingspan, has elite defensive upside, and has shown a level of offensive promise this season at Houston. His athleticism allows him to play tough, dynamic defense and scramble after rebounds. While Walker is still unpolished on offense and doesn’t shoot well from range, he’s been efficient in finishing around the rim.
Walker’s athletic build and defensive promise could carry him to the Pacers’ starting lineup next season. A pairing of Myles Turner and Jarace Walker in the frontcourt could severely disrupt opposing offenses.
The 1-seeded Houston Cougars are slated to play the 16-seeded Northern Kentucky Norse at 9:20pm Thursday (3/16).
2. Gradey Dick- G/F, Kansas; Projected Top-10
Gradey Dick is a high-floor player with less star upside. His elite shooting stroke makes him a plug-and-play candidate that immediately helps any NBA team. He boasts supreme confidence in his shot–he pulls up in transition, off the dribble, and routinely capitalizes on catch and shoot opportunities. He’s knocking down 41% of his 6 3-point attempts per game for Kansas.
Dick is an acrobatic finisher and shows underrated athleticism for his play style. His lanky frame gives him the physical tools to be a reliable defender at the next level, but he’ll need to add muscle to compete with NBA wings. He’s struggled at times to create off the dribble but an offensive maestro like Tyrese Haliburton eliminates the need for this skillset should Dick be selected by the Pacers.
The 1-seeded Kansas Jayhawks open their tournament against the 16-seeded Howard Bison at 2:00pm Thursday (3/16).
3. Kris Murray- F, Iowa; Projected Mid First Round
Kris Murray–twin brother of Sacramento Kings’ rookie Keegan Murray–has shown elevated levels of defensive awareness and offensive efficiency this season at Iowa. Like Keegan, he’s a sound fundamental player capable of consistent contribution on both sides of the ball.
The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor describes Kris Murray as a “knockdown spot-up 3-point shooter with smooth mechanics of the catch. He doesn’t fly around screens but projects as a player who can hit basic shots off pick-and-pops and other movements.”
Murray is making 34% of his almost 7 3-point attempts per game this season. While Kris is one of the oldest players projected to be in the draft pool, he’s shown great commitment to improving his game by returning to Iowa for another season. He’d slot into the Pacers’ roster as 3-and-D wing with potential to develop as a self-creator and tough shot maker.
The 8-seeded Iowa Hawkeyes battle the 9-seeded Auburn Tigers at 6:50pm Thursday (3/16).
4. Julian Strawther- G/F, Gonzaga; Projected Late First Round
Like Andrew Nembhard, Julian Strawther is an older guard/wing prospect out of Gonzaga. He has good size, standing 6’7″ and weighing in at 205 lbs. His frame makes him a reliable defender on and off the ball, and he has decent offensive upside. His shooting this season has been impressive–he’s made 42% of his 3-point shots on over 5 attempts per game. Strawther’s shot is most potent in catch and shoot situations, but he’s shown growth as a ball handler that allows him to get into more pull-ups and showcase his ability to be a connector in Gonzaga’s offense.
Strawther would provide the Pacers with defensive versatility as well as shooting off the bench, and could develop into a secondary ball handler. His role at Gonzaga has prepared him to be an impactful second-unit player at the NBA level.
The 3-seeded Gonzaga Bulldogs play the 14-seeded Grand Canyon Lopes at 7:35pm Friday (3/17).
Julian Phillips (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)
5. Julian Phillips- F, Tennessee; Projected Late First-Round
Julian Phillips is an extremely raw talent with coveted length and athleticism. The 6’8″ forward has shown flashes of defensive ability and playmaking potential this season at Tennessee. While he makes sound reads, he also attempts some ambitious passes that make him somewhat turnover prone. He hasn’t found success shooting the basketball this season, but aspects of his shot appear smooth and likely could be developed at the next level.
Phillips wouldn’t have an immediate impact as more of a project player, but he could develop into a defensive specialist and potential corner 3-point shooter.
The 4-seeded Tennessee Volunteers take on the 13-seeded Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns at 9:40pm Thursday (3/16).
**All stats and measurements via The Ringer’s NBA Draft Guide.
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