The Indiana Pacers are currently on pace to have the worst record in the Association. It's both a remarkable fall from grace considering Indiana went to Game 7 in the 2025 NBA Finals and a clear sign of how Tyrese Haliburton is unrivaled in regard to his impact on his team's success.
Thankfully, the Pacers have the ultimate silver lining: Strong odds of being able to secure the No. 1 overall selection in the 2026 NBA Draft.
It's the perfect time for Indiana to be in this position, as the 2026 NBA Draft is widely regarded as one of the most promising in recent history. Multiple players are viewed as having legitimate star potential, and the Pacers could potentially have their pick of the litter at No. 1 overall.
In their latest mock draft, Christopher Kline of FanSided.com showed Indiana what's possible by having it select Duke Blue Devils star Cameron Boozer at No. 1 overall.
"The Pacers can (and should) expect to contend next season upon Tyrese Haliburton’s return. Boozer is the most polished of an elite freshman class, with a level of strength, IQ and footwork rarely seen at such a young age. He can help add wins to Indy’s record from day one."
By adding Boozer, the Pacers would not only take a step toward improving their long-term outlook, but contending as soon as the 2026-27 season.
Pacers select Cameron Boozer in Christopher Kline's latest mock draft
Boozer is dominating the college basketball landscape at just 18 years of age. The 6'9" and 250-pound forward is tormenting teams with his size, strength, and skill set, scoring at all three levels and creating for his teammates with remarkable proficiency.
Boozer's success has translated to sensational statistics of 23.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.2 offensive boards, 4.2 assists, 1.9 steals, 0.7 blocks, and 1.5 three-point field goals made per game.
In addition to stuffing the stat sheet, Boozer is producing with efficiency that's far beyond what he should be capable of at his age or level of experience. He's converting at a clip of .580/.373/.770 while committing just 2.3 turnovers and 1.9 personal fouls per game.
Compounded by the fact that he has Duke off to a 14-1 start to the 2025-26 season, Boozer is looking the part of a potential household name.
There are some structural questions that will need to be answered if Boozer is drafted by the Pacers. That includes the matter of determining if it's possible to play Boozer and Siakam together, as well as if the Duke superstar is capable of defending wings in the NBA.
When it comes to talent and untapped potential, however, there's no way around how quickly Boozer could help the Pacers contend again and how he can anchor a decade of prominence.