5 Players The Indiana Pacers Should Consider Taking With 11th Pick
Devin Booker
Kentucky (SO.)
6’6″ 206 lbs
College per game stats: 10.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, 1.1 assists. 47/41.1/82.8 shooting percentage splits.
GIF to make you want Booker on your team:
Why The Pacers Should Pick Booker:
The most beloved Pacers player of all-time is a shooting guard known for knocking down three’s that they took with the eleventh pick. While being the next Reggie Miller might be setting expectations a little high for Devin Booker, the position and signature skill for him is the same as Miller’s. A common NBA comparison for Booker is Klay Thompson (also drafted 11th), who was often compared to Miller before being drafted.
It’s difficult to watch Booker and NOT see Klay Thompson. Even though Booker is only 18 years old, he comes with an NBA-ready body at 6’6 206 lbs. Those measurables are comparable to other young two-guards such as Bradley Beal and yes, Klay Thompson.
Booker’s jump shot is a thing of beauty and right out of a textbook on how to shoot. His release is quick, high, and tight. Every shot he takes looks like a good one because he’s constantly on balance whether it’s a spot up, pull up, or attempt off of a screen. Spacing has been a weakness for the Pacers over the last few years with Stephenson and Stuckey being much more likely to attack off the dribble than spot up for a three. The addition of Booker would open lanes for Paul George and George Hill to attack or create cleaner post-ups from West. As we’ve learned from the Spurs and Warriors over the last few years, having threats to score all over the court is extremely advantageous at creating offense, something the Pacers have struggled with even at their peak. Drafting Booker could be the solution for a problem that’s existed far too long for the Pacers.
Booker isn’t the most athletic player in the draft, but he is athletic and crafty enough to counter it. He isn’t unathletic, just not a very good one. He is however quick laterally, a crucial element for a wing player defensively. Booker had by far the quickest lane agility time at the NBA Draft Combine. Booker’s great quickness makes up for his lack of explosiveness when it comes to sprinting or jumping.
Even at his young age, Booker could contribute to an NBA team immediately with his shooting ability and basketball IQ. At Kentucky where he was surrounded by blue chippers, he never had an issue finding his own offense and not trying to do too much. The Kentucky pedigree is a bonus when you look at John Calipari’s history with players who have went in the lottery. It’s also worth wondering if UK’s ultra-talented roster limited showing what Booker can do on the court, which could result in him being a solid upside pick late in the lottery.
In today’s NBA, it’s important for wing players to be able to hit three’s and defend other wings. Booker can do both. There’s always room in a rotation for a player of Booker’s size and shooting ability. Booker’s a safe bet to have a long NBA career with potential to be a starting shooting guard for years to come.
Next: Willie Cauley-Stein