The Indiana Pacers will get a good draft pick this summer. They’ll get a good player. But will they get a good fit?
Indiana fans have been looking forward to the 2026 NBA Draft ever since it became clear the Pacers would be competing for a high draft pick rather than an NBA title this season.
The Pacers currently are one of the three teams with the best odds of securing the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft lottery. They currently have better than a 50% chance of picking in the top four. They seem all but certain to wind up with a top 10 pick.
The draft is several months away, but it’s not too early to grade how the top prospects would fit on Indiana’s 2026-27 roster.
Which Pacers prospects are a perfect fit?
A few ground rules.
We’re not grading players’ overall abilities. We’re grading how they’d fit on the Pacers. Some players will get better marks than more highly regarded prospects because they better fit Indiana’s current needs.
We’re also grading on a tough curve. No matter what player the Pacers pick, and no matter how good that player is, a current Indiana player will see his role affected, which in turn could have unforeseen negative ripple effects. Therefore, it’s tough to project any potential addition as a sure A+ fit.
Let the grades begin.
AJ Dybantsa, SF, BYU: A-
The current iteration of the Pacers has never featured a 6-foot-9 player with All-Star all-court skills. Dybantsa would unlock new dimensions for Indiana. However, fan-favorite Aaron Nesmith likely would see a reduced role.
Darryn Peterson, SG, Kansas: A-
Tyrese Haliburton at point guard and Peterson at shooting guard could be the best backcourt in the NBA. And, most would consider Peterson a sensible replacement (or upgrade) if Bennedict Mathurin and the Pacers part ways. The downsides of a Peterson pick: Historically, “the best backcourt in the NBA” isn’t an automatic title favorite. Also, what happens when Andrew Nembhard loses his spot in the starting lineup, and T.J. McConnell sees his role reduced?
Caleb Wilson, PF, North Carolina: B+
Wilson could slide right into Myles Turner’s old spot in the Pacers' starting lineup with minimal disruption to the expected Indiana roster. Wilson would be an even better fit if he were just a couple of inches taller.
Cameron Boozer, PF, Duke: B
Remember, we’re grading fit, not ability. Boozer is a better prospect than Wilson, but Wilson currently is a better fit - Boozer’s skill set would overlap Pascal Siakam’s. One possible long-range argument for a Boozer pick: Boozer would hit his prime right about when Siakam, 31, hits the wrong side of the age curve.
Nate Ament, F, Tennessee: B-
Everything you just read about AJ Dybantsa in terms of roster fit could apply to Ament, but Ament doesn’t offer the same superstar potential.
Jayden Quaintance, PF, Kentucky: B-
Everything you just read about Caleb Wilson in terms of roster fit could apply to Quaintance, but Quaintance has less proven production.
Braylon Mullins, SG, Connecticut: C+
Can a player go from Greenfield-Central High School – just a half-hour from Gainbridge Fieldhouse – to the rotation for a title contender in just two years? The current iteration of the Pacers has never employed a pure knock-down 3-point shooter. Mullins could fill that role.
Labaron Philon Jr., PG, Alabama: C+
Philon Jr. separated himself as a potential Pacers fit more than other point guards expected to go in the lottery (more on them in a moment) by displaying the ability to both score and create.
Hannes Steinbach, PF, Washington; Chris Cenac Jr., PF/C, Houston: C
The next tier of bigs who could conceivably fill the Myles Turner role. The three guys in the next section are better prospects, but Steinbach and Cenac would be better fits.
Koah Peat, PF, Arizona; Yaxel Lenderborg, F, Michigan; and Thomas Haugh, F, Florida: C-
Peat is a promising prospect, but his most natural role is the role already occupied by Siakam. Haugh and Linderborg could play small forward, but are less surefire prospects than some of the other forwards in this class.
Kingston Flemings, PG, Houston; Mikel Brown, PG, Louisville; Darius Acuff Jr., PG, Arkansas; Bennett Stiritz, PG, Iowa, and every other point guard prospect in this draft class: C-
Many of these players will go on to good - maybe even great - NBA careers. However, it would make zero sense for the Pacers to draft any point guard with a lottery pick this summer with Haliburton due to return next season.