Hoops Habit
Fansided

2016 NBA Draft Primer: Central Division

By Ryan Blackburn

Mar 26, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) handles the ball while Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) defends during the second half of a basketball game at Amway Center. The Magic won 111-89. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) handles the ball while Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) defends during the second half of a basketball game at Amway Center. The Magic won 111-89. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
May 1, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) dribbles past Toronto Raptors forward DeMarre Carroll (5) in game seven of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
May 1, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) dribbles past Toronto Raptors forward DeMarre Carroll (5) in game seven of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

Indiana Pacers

Draft Picks: 20, 50

Team Needs: Complement to Paul George, point guard facilitator

Untouchable Players: Paul George, Myles Turner

Expendable Assets: Monta Ellis, Rodney Stuckey, Solomon Hill

Summary:

The Indiana Pacers want to get faster to model today’s NBA, and they have a bunch of personnel to make it work.

Superstar? Check. Paul George fits the bill. Uptempo point guard? Check. Ty Lawson and Monta Ellis both bring different skill sets, but both are very, very fast. Mobile center? Well, they had Ian Mahimni, but Myles Turner projects as a center in the new NBA, and Mahimni is a free agent…so check.

Do they have some holes to fill? Yes. They need a bigger two guard that knows how to play defense if either Lawson or Ellis are starting. That brings me to Mike Conley. Not only does he play defense and facilitate, but he’s also looking for a fit on a potential contender.

If Mike Conley were to pair up with Paul George, the Pacers could be a completely revamped team next year. George Hill is still in place but his value is relatively low, and I see him as a backup level player moving forward.

Ideal Draft Day Trade:

None.

The Pacers don’t have enough assets to realistically trade up, nor do they don’t have enough assets to justify moving the pick altogether. They need another young player at this stage, and they cannot scratch the rebuild in favor of a veteran who won’t get them anywhere other than a first round exit.

Predictions:

The Pacers are a team that’s still a year away from being a contender unless they recruit Mike Conley to be their starting point guard. If they were able to do that, then they would get past the second round almost guaranteed.

Let’s assume he stays in Memphis though. Indiana will need a true shooting guard to cover for the defensive weakness of either Lawson or Ellis. That being said, they should go best player available, and a player like Juan Hernangomez would be a great fit in between George and Turner long-term.

The Pacers will keep all of their selections, take the best player they can, and go hard after a complementary star in free agency.

Next: Milwaukee Bucks