If the Indiana Pacers get lucky, they may be able to draft one of the three best draft prospects this year, assuming their first-round pick stays with them and doesn't go to the Los Angeles Clippers.
Darryn Peterson would make a great backcourt pairing alongside Tyrese Haliburton because of his strong scoring talent (he is averaging 19.5 points per game in 27.4 minutes while shooting 47.2% from the field and 40.5% from deep). And AJ Dybantsa would be great because he is a fantastic shot-creating wing who can do a bit of everything at a high level and would take a lot of pressure off the Wisconsin native.
However, there are also many people who believe that Duke's Cam Boozer is the best player in this year's draft. And if the Pacers do end up securing the first overall pick this year, he might be the guy they want.
In a recent episode of "The Bill Simmons Podcast," The Ringer's J. Kyle Mann spoke highly about the idea of Boozer going to Indiana and playing alongside Ivica Zubac and Pascal Siakam.
"Indiana is the one. You put him next to [Ivica] Zubac next year, he will be ready to roll next year," Mann said about Cam Boozer. "And I've been telling my Pacer fan friends this. He's going to be ready to roll immediately. He could help every team."
Cam Boozer would be a great addition for the Pacers
The Duke forward is a fantastic player, and there's a reason some think he's the most talented one in a stacked draft class.
In 28 games this season, Boozer has averaged 22.7 points, 10.1 rebounds (leads the ACC), 4 assists, and 1.7 steals while shooting 58.3% from the field and 40.8% from beyond the arc. He has solid size at 6-foot-9 (as long as he is primarily a power forward or a small-ball center, which he would be in Indiana), and it's clear that the talent is there.
On paper, Boozer would be great in Indiana's system. He is a strong rebounder, can stretch the floor, and can use his physicality and versatility to his advantage at the NBA level. Next to Siakam and Zubac, he would be a great complementary piece because he can do a bit of everything and provides a lot of energy on the court.
Who will ultimately get drafted first overall later this year likely depends on who ends up with the top pick. Peterson, Dybantsa, and Boozer are all incredibly talented (and Caleb Wilson, Kingston Flemings, and Darius Acuff are no slouches either), and any team would be happy with any of them. But if the Pacers get the opportunity, adding Boozer to their roster may be the most appealing idea.