Ranking 4 Best prospects for Pacers to finally turn things around at 2023 NBA Draft
By Tyler Watts
2. Jarace Walker
Walker is the type of player that the Pacers would love to add this offseason. He measured at 6’7 with a 7’3 wingspan at the combine, and the 19-year-old is locked in and competes hard on the defensive end of the floor. Walker can guard any player and brings immediate versatility to whatever team he lands on.
Walker had a phenomenal lone season at the University of Houston where he averaged 11.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.0 steal, and 1.3 blocks in 27.6 minutes per game.
His defense got the scouts’ attention, but it is his offensive game that gives him the potential to be one of the best players in this class. Walker demonstrated some playmaking chops to go with his elite finishing inside and developing jumper. He shot 34.7 percent from 3-point range last season and will need to take more steps forward to be a threat from outside in the NBA.
Jarace Walker needs time to develop, but his ceiling is immense. Do the Indiana Pacers believe in him as a versatile two-way threat that can play with any player in the league? If so, they are hoping he remains on the board when they get put on the clock. Walker is a fantastic fit and could keep growing in Indiana next to Tyrese Haliburton.