Important Draft Nears for the Pacers
By TYLER SMITH
ISL Editor
Like many other NBA executives, Pacers President of Basketball Operations Larry Bird has been hit or miss with his draft picks in the last decade. Let’s take a look at some of the more notable selections:
Hits: Danny Granger (17th pick in 2005), Roy Hibbert (17th pick in 2008), Paul George (10th pick in 2010), Lance Stephenson (40th pick in 2010).
Misses: Miles Plumlee (26th pick in 2012), Shawne Williams (17th pick in 2006), Tyler Hansbrough (13th pick in 2009), David Harrison (29th pick in 2004).
Despite having some busts, it would be hard for any Pacer fan to complain at the body of work Larry Bird has done throughout the draft. The core of this franchise has been built by making the right selections at the right time.
With all of that said, the importance of this year’s draft for the Indiana Pacers cannot be overstated. The Pacers have the 11th overall pick, and Larry Bird needs to “hit” on this selection.
Outside of superstar Paul George, the Pacers only have one talented young player to build with- Solomon Hill. It’s not an old team by any means, but not a young one either. And with the franchise entering a crossroads kind of year, it makes this pick even more important. There will be several talented young players available at #11, and it all comes down to who Larry Bird trusts the most for the Pacers future.
I’ve always been a fan of taking the best available player in a draft, as opposed to picking a player that fills a current hole. Holes on the team can change on a yearly basis, and I’d rather have someone who is the better long-term player. Not to mention, the Pacers don’t even know if guys like Hibbert, West, and Stuckey will be on the team this coming season. Don’t take a compliment to them, take the best player available.
It’s very possible that the days are numbered for both Roy Hibbert and David West in a Pacer uniform. Many believe David West will play one final season as a Pacer before retiring. Hibbert could opt out, play one more year and leave via free agency, or be here for the long haul. It’s really tough to say. With the situation of these two players up in the air, you’d think Larry Bird would lean towards a big man in this draft. Some sources say Bird wants to take Willie Cauley-Stein if he’s still on the board. Then again, Bird has been pretty secretive at times in the past with his selections.
Chad Ford has Cauley-Stein to the Pacers, but also notes he’d only slip that far if he’s not selected by the Knicks or Kings.
Gary Parrish has the Pacers taking PG Cameron Payne, stating: “Mid-major recruits who become lottery picks after just two years of college are incredibly rare bordering on nonexistent. So it’s amazing what’s happening with Payne. Oklahoma City is an obvious option if he slips. But Payne makes sense for the Pacers, too.”
Myles Turner and Frank Kaminsky are the other two names that keep popping up as potential Pacer targets.
Bottom line: this is a team that could be right back in the mix of things in the Eastern Conference if they keep the core together. But it’s also a team that could be nearing the end of a championship window. Those two sentences alone should tell you how important this year’s draft is for Larry Bird and the Pacers. Stay tuned.
Follow Tyler on Twitter: @TylerSmith_ISL
