Indiana Pacers: Ranking all major moves so far this offseason

4 of 5

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 22: Jarace Walker celebrates after being drafted eighth overall pick by the Washington Wizards during the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

2. Draft a promising young power forward that does everything the Pacers need a player to do in Jarace Walker.

Walker may not be a generational prospect. But honestly? We already have one of those in Tyrese Haliburton. What Walker actually does is everything else, he collects rebounds and provides the glue within both the offense and defense. Between him and Bruce Brown? The Pacers are going to have a MUCH improved defense this upcoming year.

And Walker still has upside and is SO YOUNG. He is only 19 and has quite a bit of growth potential in the coming years as he continues to head towards his basketball prime. Plus? The guy truly has a million dollar smile and personality.

Jarace Walker you are an Indiana Pacer pic.twitter.com/OAHvs2pzdh
— AKRiley (@AKRileyy5) June 23, 2023

While some have doubts after a so-so showing in the NCAA tournament, don’t sleep on Jarace. He does everything on the court well, and is an elite defender. There is a good chance that Jarace could become a future all-defensive first team and contender for defensive player of the year. And with the success of the first-round picks last year (Mathurin and Nembhard), there is reason to trust the front office knows what they are doing.

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