The Indiana Pacers went to the NBA Finals last season. They hope to return again next year. And their pathway to securing their future is this season, a "gap year" while Tyrese Haliburton recovers from a torn Achilles, where they hope to land one of the top picks in the 2026 NBA Draft - and then draft a future star like Cam Boozer or Darren Peterson.
There is a consensus "Top 3" in this year's draft, although challengers like Darius Acuff are banging on the door to move up. Those three college stars have been in place since before the season began: Cam Boozer, Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa.
Who should the Pacers draft at the top?
Deciding between the trio will be a difficult task for any team, including the Indiana Pacers. They have to weigh production, traits, upside and fit to make a selection who can thrive in Indiana and join the team's core of talented players. Given the Pacers' goal of competing again as early as next season, such a player also needs to be ready to step in and contribute.
Do the Pacers want a guard who can play alongside and behind Tyrese Haliburton, teaming up with Andrew Nembhard to create a three-headed monster in the backcourt? Peterson might be their guy. Would they prefer a wing with size to pair with Aaron Nesmith on the perimeter and attack matchups? AJ Dybantsa. What about the national player of the year to bully inside and out and eventually replace Pascal Siakam? That would be Cam Boozer.
Deciding between the three is a daunting task, as both are bursting with talent, skill and NBA size. Each has been exceptional in college, with injuries hampering Peterson but not dimmin his long-term potential. Who should Indiana choose if they land at the top of the draft?
Cam Boozer vs Darren Peterson
Their final opportunity to evaluate these prospects will come in the NCAA Tournament, and the committee putting together the 68-team bracket has set up a juicy March Madness matchup for the Pacers and any other NBA team in the mix for a Top-3 pick: Duke vs Kansas, Boozer vs Peterson, in the Sweet 16.
The Pacers will get a head-to-head matchup to dive deep on. How does Boozer handle the length of Kansas? How does Peterson hold up against the nation's best defense? And which star player shines the brightest to lead their team to victory on the biggest stage college can offer?
Boozer is a power forward and Peterson a combo guard; they likely won't be matched up 1-on-1 during the game, and if they are, advantage to the offensive player. But how each finds a way against top college talent to drive their team to victory? That will go a long ways.
Indiana should not and will not base their evaluation of franchise-defining players on one game - but it sure is nice to see the two match up. Duke and Kansas met early in the season, but Peterson missed the game due to injury. This rematch will allow both top prospects to shine forth.
The NCAA Tournament is fun for fans of basketball at any level, with its single-elimination format and unique storylines. It will b even more fun this year for the Pacers and their fans as they watch players who could be future franchise stars face off on the biggest stage.
It's hard to beat Cam Boozer vs Darryn Peterson.