The good bits that the Indiana Pacers can expect to shower them will most likely come after the conclusion of the 2022-23 season, but the team just received a massive present this week that should amp up the franchise even more heading into the offseason.
With the Cleveland Cavaliers having clinched a guaranteed playoff spot last Sunday in their win over the Houston Rockets, the Pacers will officially receive their 2023 first-round pick as part of last season’s trade for Caris LeVert.
The Indiana Pacers bolster their deck ahead of the much anticipated 2023 NBA Draft
The Cavs’ 2022 first-round pick was supposed to convey to the Pacers last season, but they fell short of a playoff appearance after losing in the play-in tournament. Instead, Indiana will receive their first-rounder this year.
This arguably transpired better for the Pacers, as the 2023 NBA Draft is widely expected to be much better and deeper than last year’s. Even with Cleveland’s pick projected to be in the high 20s (currently 25th), Indiana should have a lot of viable options to choose from to improve the roster via the draft or use the same as leverage to move up or mount a trade.
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Had Cleveland failed to book their ticket to the playoffs, the Pacers would instead be slated to receive two future second-round picks, which is clearly not as sterling.
Regardless, Pacers fans have to tip their hats off once again to the Pacers brass for turning a misfit in Caris LeVert into Andrew Nembhard with last season’s second-round pick from Cleveland, a 2023 first-rounder, and a future second-round selection.
For now, the Indiana Pacers can look forward to an even more exciting 2023 NBA Draft, as they will be owners of not one, but three first-round selections in addition to two second-rounders, one of which will be in the low 30s via Houston.