Pacers Look for Depth in Second Round

The Pacers' biggest offseason move has happened, and the fan base couldn’t be more relieved. Indiana pulled the trigger back in January on a trade that would give away numerous first round draft picks for a veteran player with an NBA Championship ring on his finger. Outside of sending Toronto Bruce Brown, Jordan Nwora and Kira Lewis, the Pacers risked their future by also sending three first round picks to the Raptors in the deal. 

That deal in total was a risk in itself. The bigger risk was if Siakam could mesh with an already good team in the Eastern Conference led by star Tyrese Haliburton, and would he re-sign in the offseason as his contract was set to expire. 

News broke on Monday that the Pacers and Pascal Siakam had agreed on a 4 year deal to keep Siakam in the circle city for what would seem like the remainder of the 30-year-old's career. It was Siakam who used his playoff experience to take over games in the playoffs, leading the Pacers to their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2014. He averaged 21 points and 7.5 rebounds per game in the playoffs including averaging 23 points in the Eastern Conference Finals. 

With Siakam locked up to a long term deal alongside Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner, the Pacers are in prime position to bring in three players who will have plenty of time to develop as the team holds the 36th, 50th and 51st selections in the draft. Second round picks have proved to be valuable for the franchise. 

The best news for the Pacers was the development of young players stepping up in big time rolls. Andrew Nembhard, a second round pick in 2022 by the Pacers, took a major step forward this season, averaging a career high 49.8% field goal percentage from the floor while stepping up into a starters role this season. 

Former 14th overall selection Aaron Nesmith stepped up for the team as well. After being lost in Boston’s rotation after two seasons, Nesmith was dealt to the Pacers for Malcolm Brogdon and other picks. He averaged a career high 14 points this season for the Blue and Gold.

Ben Sheppard was one of the best rookies in this year’s NBA Playoffs. The 26th overall selection from last summer’s draft was forced into major minutes down the stretch of the regular season and the playoffs. He appeared in all 17 playoff games, averaging 5 points per playoff game while shooting 38% from the 3 point line. It was a great gage for the team to see what the rookie was made of during high pressure situations and the former Belmont standout stepped up. 

With a young core intact, mostly built through the NBA Draft, the Pacers could still be one key free agent away. Benedict Mathurin will return to the team after a season ending injury kept him sidelined during the playoffs. Despite not having a first round selection in the draft, Jarace Walker will have to find playing time, heading into his second season. The Pacers traded down one spot in the draft and selected Walker with the 8th overall selection. However, Walker only saw the court in 33 games this season, mostly when the outcome of the game had already been decided. The rookie only saw action in 9 playoff games this season. Walker comes into his second year as fresh as he did a summer ago and will have plenty of opportunities to show his worth.

Back to those three second round picks the Pacers are sitting on: A possibility could be there to move into the first round of the draft by packaging the 36th pick with the 50th to land yourself a selection in the late first round. More than likely the 50th and 51st selections will end up in the G-League, if on a Pacers affiliated roster at all. If the Pacers stand pat with their three selections, here are the players they should take. 

36th overall: KJ Simpson- Colorado. A pass-first point guard that could be the third PG for this Pacers team behind Tyrese Haliburton and TJ McConnell, assuming the Pacers bring back McConnell and by all accounts it looks like it will. He was the leader for the Buffs this season averaging 19 points and 7 assists per game. The Pacers won’t need him to score, but he can provide defense and a steady 10-12 minutes a night, Simpson will be ready for whatever is thrown his way. 

50th- Pelle Larsson. Larsson has continued to develop his game at Arizona as is most effective in the pick and roll. Larsson had a hard time creating space for himself but proved to be a good defender in college. His shooting is consistent and is an underrated passer. He might take a year or two to develop, but so did Lauri Markkanen.

51st- If possible, trade the pick for cash considerations.