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The Indiana Pacers surprised a plethora of NBA fans by trading Domantas Sabonis, Justin Holiday, and Jeremy Lamb for a package centered around talented point guard Tyrese Haliburton. At 22 years of age and just in his sophomore season, Haliburton is the perfect franchise cornerstone for a small market team like Indiana. The next moves for the Pacers would be building around him and that starts with the 2022 NBA Draft.
With the Pacers well below .500 this season, the probability of them having a top 10 overall is at a high level. The Pacers franchise has not picked inside the top 10 since George McCloud in 1989, so this would be a massive opportunity for them to add a top-tier talent. Haliburton, Malcolm Brogdon, Chris Duarte will be leading the charge at the back court, while their front court is still a bit undermanned with Myles Turner as the only proven veteran. Thus, Indiana will have the huge challenge of adding a tremendous asset to their lineup.
Pacers NBA Draft Targets
Shaedon Sharpe
Being a five-star recruit from Kentucky, Shaedon Sharpe has been one of the best wingmen in his class. Despite the issues on him not suiting up for Kentucky this season, NBA teams believe he will apply for the 2022 NBA Draft as a projected top 10 pick. His athleticism and versatility at 6'5″ gives them a different repertoire from Duarte or Buddy Hield as his slashing abilities cannot be denied.
The organization may need to decide who to keep from the slew of guards and wings on their current roster, but building around Haliburton and Sharpe would be an incredible foundation for Indiana. His playmaking and ability to defend multiple possessions due to his size are phenomenal characteristics that scouts would dream for when watching these young studs. Sharpe may still end up deciding for coach John Calipari next season, but if his name is on the board during the Pacers' turn, they should not think twice about getting him.
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Keegan Murray
After the Sabonis departure, the huge role in the depth chart of the Pacers is at the forward position. T.J. Warren has been missing in action for a very long period as well, so adding a huge body like Keegan Murray as a top 10 selection would be a terrific addition to the Indiana organization. His style of play is not the most exciting or flashy type, but he brings a methodical approach and racking up his points from the paint and long range.
With Turner looking like he will stay with Indiana in the offseason, pairing him up with Murray would be an ideal scenario for coach Rick Carlisle. Being a position-less player used to be a weaknesses because they could be confused with their whole on the squad, but having the capability to flourish on a multitude of skills has been an edge in this era. Thus, Murray fits that billing as a floor spacer, inside scorer, and above average defender.
Paolo Banchero
With the draft becoming more stacked as the collegiate season is progressing, Paolo Banchero has not been a consensus top three pick anymore. It may depend on the fit of the franchise on that position, but what is for sure is he has a huge chance of blossoming into a fabulous star under the tutelage of Carlisle. His scoring is already at an efficient level in the NCAA, highlighted by his impeccable body he utilizes to continually attack the rim.
Injuries have been a continuous problem with many NBA players already, so the work Banchero puts in his body is very vital in his development. Moreover, Banchero thrives through contact as he is a slithery and athletic finisher at the rim. Defense is also a facet of his arsenal wherein he has potential to flourish on at the NBA stage because of his high IQ and mature mindset in approaching the game of basketball.
The Pacers are projected to have a top 10 pick in the lottery this year, but they will hope that it could even be elevated to top five. With this likely possibility to occur on June, the challenge is still selecting the perfect player who could fit the Indiana environment, especially with the Pacers not having this prestigious opportunity t0 select in the top over the past decades.
