Tuesday, June 22, 2010

What's the Scenario?

With the NBA Draft just a few days away, the Pacers find themselves in an interesting spot. With rumored trades involving Jonny Flynn and Minnesota as well as Oklahoma City, the Blue and Gold aren't short on options. Here are some of the scenarios:

Pacers Draft Scenario #1: Keep the pick, roll with the point guards they already have.
The Pacers really have two options at #10: a big or a wing. Potential wing prospects include: Avery Bradley (Texas), Gordon Hayward (Butler), Xavier Henry (Kansas), and James Anderson (Oklahoma).

Pacers Draft Scenario #2: Keep the pick, and draft a point guard with one of the 2nd round selections.
There is no one in the 2nd round that could be an immediate NBA starter. Possible 2nd round options: Terrico White (Miss. State), Willie Warren (Oklahoma), Grevis Vasquez (Maryland), Matt Bouldin (Gonzaga), Sherron Collins (Kansas), and Denis Clemente (Kansas State).

Pacers Draft Scenario #3: Trade down, and if Murphy is included in the deal, draft a power forward.
This is a fantastic draft for bigs. Patrick Patterson (Kentucky), Cole Aldrich (Kansas), Ed Davis (North Carolina), Paul George (Fresno State), Ekpe Udoh (Baylor), Hassan Whiteside (Marshall), and Daniel Orton (Kentucky) all could fall somewhere in the late teens or early 20's.

Pacers Draft Scenario #4: Draft Luke Harangody.
Hey, he played four years, was super productive, and has limited upside - this fits the recent trend of Pacers' First Round picks.

Ultimately, I think the Pacers are going to deal the pick, probably for a starter-caliber point guard. The question is whether or not they'll get a pick in return. It's a shame that in a draft full of NBA-ready forwards, the Pacers biggest needs are in the backcourt.

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