The 2023 NBA Draft is just weeks away and the Indiana Pacers are starting to hone in on some players they would like to draft with the 7th overall pick. But the Blue and Gold are also looking at players they could draft with either of their other two first-round picks.
Now, it’s been said many times by the organization that they don’t plan on using all of their five draft picks. In fact, the Pacers have said they plan on being aggressive this off-season. However, since we aren’t in the “war room” we don’t know the conversations that are being had. So, we don’t know what type of package the Pacers are putting together to move up, nor how high up they are looking to move either.
Related: NBA Draft rumors – Latest information leading up to the 2023 event
All this is to say that for now we have to act like the Indiana Pacers will be keeping and using all three of their first-round picks. The Blue and Gold have many needs so they can still go with the best player available in the draft.
Here are five players the Indiana Pacers could draft with either the 26th or 29th overall pick.
Kris Murray, Forward, Iowa
This time last year there was a lot of debate on whether the Indiana Pacers should draft Keegan Murray or Bennedict Mathurin. Since the team didn’t get Keegan they have an opportunity to still get a Murray, Kris Murray that is. There’s no question the Murray brothers are similar to the Currys in the aspect that one is far superior to the other. However, either one is worth being on an NBA roster.
This should be the same for Kris, whose size, build, and skills are similar to Keegan’s. Kris doesn’t have the same athleticism or as good as his brother. But he will be an addition to any NBA roster as he’s a smart player who puts himself in a position to succeed. If he’s asked to be a team’s top or second option he’ll be viewed as a bust.
However, if he’s asked to be a team’s third or role player, then he’ll be up for argument as “the steal of the draft”. He’s a lefty shooter with a nice stroke who doesn’t have a quick first step. He’s a rangy defender that at times can be undisciplined. He’s a solid defender that may never live up to his brother’s standards but should be no worse than a highly regarded 3&D NBA player. He also happens to be a good rebounder.
Noah Clowney, Forward, Alabama
Noah Clowney is a player that on paper could be able to play well alongside Myles Turner. Or he could end up faring as well as Jalen Smith did. Regardless, Clowney is a player that can offer some high upside. Now, he is small in the weight department so he will need to get stronger and add muscle, and size. Because right now, he’ll get pushed around in the NBA and he doesn’t offer the same type of game as say, Kevin Durant.
For a player his size he offers good athleticism and is able to get up and down the floor with ease. He didn’t shoot very well from deep but his form looks good and he may simply just need more reps to get better. If his shot is able to progress to respectable then he could be a matchup nightmare for opponents.
He’s a good rebounder and shot blocker, with a good motor. However, he can be undisciplined defensively and struggles to create his own shot. This is a player that will most likely need to be set up, either by the offensive play or a teammate in order to be an effective scorer. As he can be too passive on offense.
Colby Jones, Guard, Xavier
Seeing that Colby Jones is a 6-foot-6 combo guard might throw up a red flag to Indiana Pacers fans, as the team has a bunch of players like this on the roster already. However, the Blue and Gold may need to move some of those types of players in order to a) move up on the draft or b) acquire a big wing player already in the NBA. Doing so will open a spot for the Jones selection.
Jones, was Xavier’s starting shooting guard but also operated as the team’s point guard at times. This could be an important aspect of interest as it could allow for some more lineup creativity for Rick Carlisle. Regardless, this is a player that is essentially solid across the board. He’s a solid shooter, scorer, rebounder, and defender, who is also a good athlete.
However, his shooting form looks like it could use some minor tweaking and his release appears to be a bit slow. He doesn’t possess an elite first step nor is he an elite ball handler. Since he completed his junior year of college, he’s also an older player. And thus the question needs to be asked how much more can you realistically expect to get out of him?
Gregory Jackson, Forward, South Carolina
Gregory “GG” Jackson is only 17 years old at the time he entered college as he chose to reclassify. Thus he is only 18 and one of the youngest players in this year’s draft. Another young player who entered the NBA at a very young age was former Pacers Jermaine O’Neal. Now, that’s the only comparison between those two. But it is worth noting that O’Neal took some time to develop before he became an NBA star.
Jackson will obviously need some development, both from a physical standpoint and from his game. If it’s developed properly he could be one of the better players in the league and certainly viewed as the “steal of the draft” when looking back upon this draft class. Offensively he’s able to score from anywhere on the floor. However, he’s not going to be a traditional low-post scorer as his game is more about scoring from the wing. His shooting stroke is fluid and quick, with maybe a minimal adjustment.
Now, something that is very evident on his tape is that he’s very much an iso scorer. This may not fit well in Rick Carlisle’s offensive system. But some of Jackson’s scoring nature could be because of the dysfunction on the South Carolina basketball team. It’s possible that once Jackson is on a team with better players he may not be so iso dependent.
Also, he tends to take tough shots, especially in the mid-range. Again, if putting him on a team with better talent around him then he could be a nice late pick.
Julian Strawther, Forward, Gonzaga
If the Indiana Pacers need some inside information/scouting on Julian Strawther they only have to turn to Andrew Nemhard. Both played together two years ago at Gonzaga along with Chet Holmgren. Strawther could be a good replacement if the team decides to move on from Buddy Hield.
Strawther is projected to most likely be a second-round pick that could potentially make it in late to the first round. He is a shooter with a very nice, smooth, and quick release. He did show at Gonzaga that he can offer some playmaking ability. But mostly he’s a shooter who does offer good rebounding on both ends of the floor and is an adequate defender.
He doesn’t have an elite first step, struggles with his left hand, and can force the issue at times. Also, his dribbling needs improvement as it can be sloppy and lead to turnovers. He does have a good frame that appears could handle some more weight.
Which in turn be interesting to see how it impacts his game. As he’s already shown to be good at taking advantage of a size difference. Strawther could end up being just a player in the NBA who only offers shooting. But then again, that was the word on Hield too when he came over.