The Indiana Pacers are serious contenders with a massive hole to fill this offseason and should target Johni Broome out of Auburn with the 23rd overall pick. Tyrese Haliburton is an unquestioned star. He has the franchise on the verge of a second straight conference finals appearance, but Myles Turner, Thomas Bryant, and Isaiah Jackson are all headed towards free agency. The Pacers want to bring Turner back, but will need more help at the five.
Broome played five years of college basketball, including the final three for Auburn. Many have him projected to be taken in the second round, but the 6’10 big man’s dominant production should not be ignored. Broome averaged 18.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 2.1 blocks in 30.2 minutes per game as Auburn reached the Final Four.
It is easy to overlook older more successful prospects for upside plays, but the Pacers need immediate help. This is their window to contend, so getting a capable reserve on a rookie-scale contract is just what the doctor ordered for Indiana.
The Pacers should select Johni Broome at 23rd overall
There are questions about his shooting. Broome made just 27.8 percent of his 90 3-point attempts this season, but it was a positive to see him taking 2.5 each night. The Pacers have had success developing player's jumpers and doing that unlocks a higher ceiling for the 22-year-old.
Broome is already a strong finisher, playmaker, and rim-protector at the five. Kevin O’Connor compared him to Jaylin Williams from the Thunder. His ranking was a bit low, but landing a capable reserve with a versatile skill set is ideal as the Pacers look to remain in title contention.
There is a long list of seniors who get overlooked in the draft, but the Pacers should be smart. Broome dominated the NCAA, including being a consensus first-team All-American. Indiana could take a 19-year-old developmental project head coach Rick Carlisle will never play or a versatile big ready to step in day one. Broome is the latter and could quickly find a fit in the Pacers rotation, especially if Thomas Bryant and Isaiah Jackson leave in free agency.
The Indiana Pacers have the 23rd and 54th overall selections in the 2025 NBA Draft with the order finalized by Monday’s draft lottery. Expect the franchise to target a cost controlled contract that could make an impact right away in the first-round. The Pacers may look through a longer lens, but that would be a mistake. Get Johni Broome and let him help immediately. That is the perfect selection for Indiana.