2015 Draft Review: Indiana Pacers

2015-16 Depth Chart

PG: George Hill

SG: Monta Ellis/C.J. Miles/Joseph Young

SF: Paul George/Solomon Hill/Damjan Rudez

PF: ???

C: Roy Hibbert/Ian Mahinmi/Myles Turner

2015 Free Agents

F Chris Copeland (RFA)

C Shayne Whittington (RFA)

PF Lavoy Allen

PF Luis Scola

PG Donald Sloan

SG Rodney Stuckey

PG C.J. Watson

PF David West

What They Did On Draft Night
Drafted Texas center Myles Turner 11th overall
Five years ago, Indiana drafted an uber-talented prospect with some superficial, quantifiable concerns that caused him to be drafted tenth overall, nine picks after he should have been. Now Paul George is one of the best players in the NBA and Indiana looks poised to have similar success with Myles Turner. Roy Hibbert is on the way out by trade or free agency this summer or next, so center is a place of long-term need in Indiana. The Pacers want to play a faster, wide-open system of offense next season, which is something Turner should help them do, especially in comparison to Hibbert. Turner is knocked for his awkward running gait, but he isn't bad running the floor, and compared to slow-as-erosion Hibbert, Turner is Usain Boltian. This is upgrade in agility will also help Indiana's screen game be more effective because Turner, as the roll-man, will be more of a threat to score. Where Turner will really help Indiana open up their offense is with his ability to shoot, drawing the opposing center away from the basket and punishing smaller defenders that switch pick-and-pops by shooting right over them with an essentially unblockable jumper. Turner is a consistently good shooter from mid-range with no reason to suspect that within a year or two, he will be able to make threes. Defensively, Turner can't match peak-Hibbert level, but should be an above-average rim protector with more mobility defending on the perimeter. It may take a year or so for Turner to get acclimated to the league, he is just 19, but the reward of an above-average defensive center with floor spacing ability, is quite nice.

Drafted Oregon combo guard Joseph Young 43rd overall
Indiana's second round pick is more ready to contribute from day one, but obviously with less upside. Joseph Young is a pure-shooting combo guard that can really light up the scoreboard when he gets going. This kind of dynamic shooter/scorer is something that Indiana has lacked off their bench for a long time and should be a nice option when they need some spacing. The Pacers are a perfect landing spot for the 6-2 Young because of George Hill's ability to defend shooting guards, leaving the apposing point guard for Young to guard but without having to use him as a primary playmaker.

What To Do Next?
Trading Roy Hibbert for whatever they can get needs to be Indiana's top priority, not because Hibbert is a bad guy but because if he doesn't fit their current direction, giving him playing time will only serve to take minutes away from players that are their future and stall some the development of cohesiveness. Indiana simply cannot play the style they want with Hibbert on the floor. Another benefit to dealing Hibbert is hopefully creating some cap space to upgrade their roster. Stretching his contract is also another option. A power forward such as Darrell Arthur would be an option to fill that hole. Even though he is a restricted free agent, Tobias Harris could make a devastation interchangeable forward combination with Paul George. Another potential way to fill the hole at power forward is to move Paul George there and sign a wing to move into that spot.

A bonus trade sure to never happen
Hibbert to Boston for a first round pick (or Gerald Wallace)
OR
Hibbert to Portland for Chris Kamen and Gerald Henderson

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2015 Draft Preview: Boston Celtics

2015-16 Depth Chart
PG: Marcus Smart/Isaiah Thomas/Phil Pressey
SG: Avery Bradley/James Young/Chris Babb
SF: Evan Turner/Gerald Wallace
PF: Kelly Olynyk
C:  Tyler Zeller/Jared Sullinger

2015 Free Agents
SF Jae Crowder (RFA)
F Luigi Datome (RFA)
PF Brandon Bass
F Jonas Jerebko

2015 Draft Picks
1-15
1-28 via Clippers
2-3(33) via Philadelphia
2-15(45)

Team Needs

Boston has a solid collection of players, but still have a long way to go before being considered a contender. Honestly, they don't really have a single player that you could say for certain would be one of the top five players on a contender, but they have a multitude that could be the sixth or seven best. This gives them a good starting point and lots of flexibility as they search for a star or two. Marcus Smart, who is the one guy I think could become one of those higher level players, is probably locked in at one of the guard spots, but the rest of the starting lineup is up for grabs. The frontcourt is one of the biggest areas of need for Boston, namely an athletic, shot-blocking player to compliment their other, more floor-bound, offensive-minded players. There is a good chance Jae Crowder is re-signed, but even if he is Boston could use another wing, preferably one that can shoot and is more ready than James Young.

Potential Fits

To me, the best move is one they have reportedly been considering: using the draft picks they have acquired in addition to one of their young players and attempt a trade up as high as they can get without being fleeced. If they are able to trade up, bigs would seemingly be the main target, including Kentucky's Willie Cauley-Stein if they get into the top ten or Myles Turner of Texas in the later lottery. Really though, any of the top 10 or so prospects would be an upgrade for Boston's starting lineup, especially when you consider Smart can play either guard spot. If they don't trade their pick, they will have to look at what is available and balance need with value. Arkansas's Bobby Portis would be an upgrade at forward or center, but isn't quite the dominating shot blocker they need. Washington's Robert Upshaw is a perfect fit as a defensive anchor, however he has been kicked off of two college teams and has some off-the-court issues. GM Danny Ainge is unafraid of risk and problem children, so there is alway a possibility they throw caution to the wind and take Upshaw. Another three prospects, UCLA's Kevon Looney, UNLV 's Christian Wood, and Louisville's Montrezl Harrell are all they kind of athletic players that would fit, but each has concerns as well: Looney's ultimate position, Wood's strength, and Harrell's size. To me, of those three Looney makes the most sense because he has the kind of defensive versatility Boston likes and some upside to become an above-average player who can defend, offensive rebound, and make outside shots. Even if they take a big with their first pick, I'd expect them to double-dip with one of their next picks and target another shot-blocking type player such and Syracuse's big man Rakeem Christmas.

Mock Draft

15. Kevon Looney, F, UCLA

28. Rashad Vaughn, SG, UNLV

33. Rakeem Christmas, F/C, Syracuse

45. Nikola Milutinov, C, Partizan

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2015 Draft Preview: Utah Jazz

2015-16 Depth Chart 

PG: Dante Exum/Trey Burke/Bryce Cotten

SG: Alec Burks/Rodney Hood

SF: Gordon Heyward/Elijah Millsap/Chris Johnson

PF: Derrick Favors/Trevor Booker/Grant Jerrett

C: Rudy Gobert/Jack Cooley

2015 Free Agents

SG Joe Ingles (RFA)

F Jeremy Evans

2015 Draft Picks

1-12

2-12(42)

2-24(54) via Cleveland

Team Needs

Utah is in a great position, they are quite frankly stacked up and down their roster with young players who are good now and have plenty of room for growth still. If Utah has a need, it is for some depth and shooting in their frontcourt. There aren't many better 3-4-5 combinations in the league tha Gordon Heyward, Derrick Favors, and Rudy Gobert but behind them only Trevor Booker is a sure-fire contributor. Neither Favors nor Gobert is a threat from the perimeter, so finding a big that can space the floor and play alongside either starter would allow them to give more diverse looks and create space for their offense. If Utah does decide to look more at backcourt players, I'd expect them to target players who can make outside shots and move the ball, two tenants of coach Quinn Snyder's offense.

Potential Fits

This is probably the case with every team because what he offers is so valuable, but Wisconsin's Frank Kaminsky would be ideal for this team. He could play next to both Gobert or Favors, space the floor and keep the ball moving. I could also see Utah going with upside and drafting Texas center Myles Turner; he will take longer than Kaminsky but has a higher defensive potential. Turner would absolutely be a luxury pick, but Utah needs depth at his positions and could use his jumper in short stretches off the bench as they bring him along slowly. Having three talented bigs is not a problem. As far as guards go, Kentucky's Devin Booker would be a logical fit; he can really shoot and is a smart player who will keep the ball moving. Because they have no glaring needs, Utah could also just draft whomever they believe is the best player regardless of position or look to trade the pick for a veteran. 

Mock Draft

12. Myles Turner, C, Texas

42. J.P. Tokoto, G/F North Carolina

54. Vince Hunter, PF, UTEP

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Match-ups to watch during the Round of 64

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R.J. Hunter vs. Baylor

After two strong years at Georgia State and an impressive showing at the Nike Skils Camp, R.J. Hunter  was considered by some to be a potential lottery pick. However, after struggling with the bread-and butter of his game this season (shooting), Hunter is looking more like a bubble first-rounder. Even if Georgia State loses their first round game against Baylor, a big performance by Hunter could help his standing in the eyes of teams picking in the late lottery. The Bears will easily be the best defense that Hunter has faced this year (he did score 21 vs Iowa State earlier this year), and their brand of zone defense can be particularly frustrating for perimeter players, with opponents hitting only 30% of their 3s against them (16th best in the country) as well as closing off driving lanes. The zone will also take away another of his weapons, the pick-and-roll, but if Hunter gets it going from behind the arc, it will be a boon to both his team and his draft standing, because shooting is where his money will be made. 

Myles Turner vs. Butler

Texas has underachieved based on their talent so far this year, but they are very, very talented. Turner is best of the bunch, a potential top 10 pick who at 6-11 has both perimeter skills and can protect the rim. One of Turner's biggest warts is he doesn't always play in the paint offensively like he potentially can. Butler has no player taller than 6-9 (the slim Kameron Woods) so Turner will have a massive size advantage he should be able to take advantage of in the post and on the glass. What makes this matchup extra intriguing is Butler's physical style of defense, despite the fact they are undersized, the Bulldogs will still compete. Will Turner use his size advantage or continue to float around the perimeter on offense? The answer will go a long way to determine Texas level of success.

Kevon Looney vs. Marcus Kennedy and Yanick Moreira
Much to the chagrin of many, UCLA made it into the tournament and weren't even the last team in. However, what may be a loss for common sense is a gain for fans, who get to see potential lottery pick Kevon Looney again, and in a tough match-up against a deep and athletic SMU frontcourt to boot. Looney is one of the best offensive rebounders in the country and he has rapidly developing perimeter skills, but right now he is skinny and not a particularly physical player. The Mustangs two best big men, Kennedy and Moreira will challenge Looney inside on both ends, though neither are big time NBA prospects, they are both more physically developed than Looney and can play in the paint on both ends. Kennedy in particular is a load, listed at 6-9, 245 and relatively skilled. If SMU starts attacking Looney through Kennedy it could be a long night for UCLA and another question about his readiness for the next level.

D'Angelo Russell vs. Havoc
Despite being a highly regarded prospect, Russell still flew under the radar until his play brought the spotlight and the accolades, to the point that he is a legitimate contender to be a top 3 overall pick and an sure-fire All-American. Despite his herculean efforts, Ohio State is still just a middling team who will face a serious challange in lower seeded VCU. The Ram's havoc defense is well known at this point, a meat-grinder of non-stop pressure that can make even the most seasoned players look foolish at times. Russell is fortunate enough to share a backcourt with another ball-handler, Shannon Scott, which will certainly help the Buckeyes break the press. However, Russell is a high usage player and one of the best in the country with the ball in his hands, so there it will be quite a bit. It is worth noting that VCU's best defender, Briante Webber (and his 3.9 steals per game), is not going to be playing in the game. I doubt any performance does much to his draft standing, but it will certainly affect Ohio State's chances of advancing. Two years ago we were saying similar things about Trey Burke against the VCU and the Rams lost that game by 25, but Burke had 7 turnovers, so this all may be a moot point. 

Jarrell Martin and Jordan Mickey vs. NC State

The duo of Martin and Mickey make up one of the best frontcourts in college basketball, between the two of them they average 32.4 points, 19 rebounds, and 4.3 blocks a game, shooting 51% from the floor. They are LSU's two best players and if the Tigers are going to make any noise, it will fall on their shoulders. Mickey, who has been dealing with a shoulder injury, is the better all around player, but Martin is the one NBA teams are interested in because he is two inches than the 6-8 Mickey and has better perimeter skills. A strong tournament by the pair could vault Martin into the mid-first round and convince NBA decision makers than Mickey could be an outlier in the vein of Paul Millsap, a successful 6-8 power forward. NC State has some big bodies in the middle, but none of the quality of LSU. Last season Tennessee fell two points shy of reaching the Elite 8 in large part because they had bigs inside that opponents could not handle, LSU could be that team this year.

Fred VanVleet, Ron Baker, and Tekele Cotton vs. Yogi Farrell and James Blackmon Jr.
Wichita State/Indiana is intriguing for off-court reasons, but on the court is where the most exciting action will be, particularly between the guards. Each of the Shockers three main backcourt players offer something different, VanVleet is the steady point guard and leader, while Baker is a knockdown shooter, and Cotton is one of the best perimeter defenders in the country. Going up against them are Indiana's star backcourt duo, both can shoot and make plays off the dribble and containing them will be key to Wichita States chances. Who guards who and when should be fascinating, and if the game is close, the crunchtime back and forths between these guards should be very fun to watch. Guards usually carry the day in March, so whichever backcourt plays better will likely be the ones that advance.

Montrezl Harrell vs. Mamadou Ndiaye

Undersized power forwards face an uphill battle to succeed in the NBA, and more often than not they fail, however some succeed and even can become All-Stars. Montrezl Harrell will certainly be hoping to fall into the second group, and he has long arms and tremendous athletic gifts on his side, though he is likely only 6-8 and may be shorter. One of the reason smaller power forwards tend to struggle is that they are going up against bigger, longer players on a nightly basis and have a disadvantage when it comes to scoring over those opponents. At 7-6, with an absurd 8-1 wingspan, big Mamadou Ndiaye is the biggest test that Harrell could possibly have against size and length. He should be able to score in transition, but can Harrell score at the rim in the half court versus Ndiaye? That is one of the more interesting matchups in the first round this year.

Kris Dunn vs. Anyone

Under-the-radar most of the season, Kris Dunn is finally starting to get his recognition as one of the best players in college basketball and a legitimate NBA prospect. No matter who Providence is playing, Dunn is appointment viewing because of his exciting, all-around game. He can shoot, penetrate, and pass, everything you want from a point guard and does it with quickness and style. Do yourself a favor and watch Dunn if you haven't before, you may be watching one of the next fast risers as a prospect and also just a darn fun basketball player.

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