The Indiana Pacers chose UCLA forward T.J. Leaf with the No. 18 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. Here are five reasons that Leaf was a good pick for Indiana.
The Indiana Pacers are currently dealing with a great degree of uncertainty, given the fact that their star, Paul George, has made it clear that he plans to leave Indiana.
Despite this, life goes on for Kevin Pritchard and the Pacers as they redevelop their team-building strategy in the wake of the Paul George announcement.
Part of that plan includes the 2017 NBA Draft, and Indiana used the 18th overall selection on UCLA power forward T.J. Leaf.
Leaf declared for the draft after one college basketball season in which he averaged 16.3 points and 8.2 rebounds per game. Leaf shot a stellar 62 percent from the field for the Bruins as a freshman.
T.J. Leaf may have been overshadowed by his more famous teammate, Lonzo Ball, but Leaf is a very good prospect in his own right.
Lowkey disrespectful that in TJ Leaf's draft interview (the proudest/most exciting moment of his life) they ask him about Lonzo's fit in LA
— Brandon Awadis (@brawadis) June 23, 2017
Some NBA observers point to Leaf’s slender frame, lack of elite athleticism and low ceiling as a defender as reasons to think he will not become an impact player at the next level.
However, there is plenty to like about T.J. Leaf’s game, and this piece will focus on five reasons that Leaf was a good pick for the Pacers at No. 18 overall.