The Indiana Pacers' season has been abysmal without Tyrese Haliburton as they are 2-13. However, not all is bad as this poor start could land them a high draft pick for 2026.
In FanSided's latest NBA Mock Draft, the Pacers have the second overall pick and land Duke forward Cam Boozer. Through his first five games this season, the Utah native is averaging 21.6 points, 10.4 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks while shooting 51.5% from the field and 34.8% from beyond the arc.
The 2026 NBA Draft class is so stacked that there are three legitimate candidates right now who could go first overall, including Boozer (the other two are Darryn Peterson of Kansas and AJ Dybantsa of BYU).
If the Pacers manage to remain near the bottom of the standings all the way until the end of the season, they could have a rare opportunity to reshape their long-term outlook by drafting one of these three potential stars. And with Haliburton set to return from his Achilles injury next year, this could be exactly what brings them back to the top of the East.
Cam Boozer would be a great fit for the Pacers
So far, Boozer is showing that he can make a big impact at every level of the game. He can score, rebound, and defend. Additionally, he is a solid playmaker, especially as a power forward.
Recently, college basketball analyst and former Duke big man Jay Bilas sang his praises for Boozer, comparing him to Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero (h/t John Leuzzi of USA Today Network).
"He reminds you a little bit of Paolo Banchero with his build and his game, and that's saying something," Bilas said.
"He's got a competitive nature to him. He knows how to play and he's got a maturity that's beyond his age," Bilas said. "You can isolate him and he's going to draw a double team. He's got the wherewithal to pass out of it and find an open teammate when he draws a double. He can go through people, he can go around you, he can go over you, he can go through you.
Needless to say, the sky is the limit for Boozer, who turned 18 years old in July. And if the Pacers can land a guy like him, that could do wonders for their long-term success.
Despite their poor start to this season, the Pacers still have a bright future. They were just in the NBA Finals a few months ago, and most of that roster is still intact. The team will need to find a more dependable center situation, but besides that, there is still a lot to like about their outlook. And adding Boozer to ensure their frontcourt might be what helps them get back to the top of the East as soon as next year.