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Indiana Pacers: Complete 2018 offseason grades

By Bobby Friedman

Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images /
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(Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Drafting Alize Johnson

The Paces selected Alize Johnson, a rebounding power forward out of Missouri State, with the 50th overall pick in the draft. While he might have some potential to be a rotational big in a different situation, like a rebuilding team for instance, considering all of the depth the Pacers added, he will likely not be seeing the hardwood this season.

In Summer League, he averaged 12.4 points and 8.6 rebounds in 23 minutes per game. He will need a lot to happen in order to end up playing any meaningful minutes. Additionally, general manager Kevin Pritchard was clear on his belief in last year’s draft pick, TJ Leaf, who also plays power forward, and also will be pounding on the door for minutes.

Considering that, it might have made more sense for the Pacers to draft a guard with their second round pick this year, but perhaps they didn’t know they would be parting ways with Cory Joseph or Joe Young.

Despite all of this, Johnson should be looked at as an insurance policy should Myles Turner, Thaddeus Young or Domantas Sabonis suffer an injury this season that leads to an extended absence. 

Grade: C+

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