Indiana Pacers: 5 Best 2016 NBA Draft First Round Options
Larry Bird and the Indiana Pacers are entering a pivotal offseason for the future of their franchise. He decided to let Frank Vogel walk following the Pacers’ Game 7 playoff loss against the Toronto Raptors. Nate McMillan was hired to be the new head coach, although there are many that are very unimpressed with the move.
Indiana will have some money to spend in free agency this offseason, although they will also have to hit big on the No. 20 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft.
There are plenty of talented players in the draft, although many believe that there are only two prospects who will turn into stars. That has been the case for the most part when the Pacers have been on the clock, but they have found ways to bring in major talent.
Paul George was a late lottery pick, while Myles Turner was the same case. Bird has found ways to bring in talent, although he has also missed on a lot of picks, as well. Indiana is not a high-profile free agency destination, which means that building through the draft is a must.
That being said, which five prospects are the best first round options for the Pacers this offseason in the 2016 NBA Draft?
Tyler Ulis, Point Guard, Kentucky Wildcats
Perhaps the best fit for the Pacers in the draft would be Kentucky point guard Tyler Ulis. He is a bit undersized for the NBA game, but he was an absolute stud for the Wildcats. Ulis averaged 17.3 points, 7.0 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game last season, and could be the long-term answer at the point guard position for the Pacers.
Wade Baldwin, Point Guard, Vanderbilt Commodores
Indiana could also look to Vanderbilt point guard Wade Baldwin as a potential long-term option. He has received comparisons to Russell Westbrook from some in the media and ended up with 14.1 points, 5.2 assists and 4.0 rebounds per game last season. The Pacers need a dominant back-court player, and Baldwin could fit that role perfectly.
Damian Jones, Center, Vanderbilt Commodores
Damian Jones is another Vanderbilt prospect that could be a big piece of the Pacers’ future. He would pair nicely with Myles Turner in the front-court and would give Indiana one of the best young big men duos in the league. Last season with the Commodores, Jones ended up averaging 13.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game.
Denzel Valentine, Shooting Guard, Michigan State Spartans
One of the more intriguing names in the draft is Michigan State shooting guard Denzel Valentine. He would add many different things to the Pacers’ lineup and could end up being a starter in his first couple of seasons. Valentine had a huge season for the Spartans last year, averaging 19.2 points, 7.8 assists, and 7.5 rebounds per game.
Thon Maker, Power Forward, High School Senior
If the Pacers decided to take a bit of a chance with a potentially superstar caliber reward, Thon Maker will end up being their pick. He is an extremely athletic and multi-skilled power forward that has a chance to become a top player in the NBA if he stays healthy and reaches his full potential. Maker has been in for a workout with the Pacers throughout the draft process and would make perfect sense for Indiana if he is still on the board.
Expect to see the Pacers end up with a solid pick with the No. 20 overall selection in the draft. Bird knows he can’t afford to miss with this pick and there is plenty of talent for him to choose from.
Who do you think the Indiana Pacers should take with their first round pick in the 2016 NBA Draft? Do you think one of these five players would be the right fit? Let us know in the comment box below!
[Photo by AP Photo/Sean Rayford]
