It was hard to figure out what was expected from the Indiana Pacers this past season with Paul George’s unknown status to begin the year. Indiana would find a way to finish 45-37 but was knocked out of the playoffs in the first round. As the NBA Draft arrives on June 23, the Pacers will be looking to improve on their record from this season along with using the No. 20 overall pick to get a great player to put George and Monta Ellis.
The team’s only major free agent departure could be center Ian Mahinmi, who averaged 9.3 points and 7.1 rebounds a game. This may lead to the team looking for an inside player to add to their No. 3 team defense ranking from this season. Ellis and George are scoring machines but the team still needs more offense to go with those two. Can the Pacers go into the draft and potentially find a two-way player who can add significant offense to go with quality defense?
With the No. 20 pick, experts believe that the Pacers will go after Notre Dame guard Demetrius Jackson. Jackson is clearly a great offensive player who averaged 18 points a game this past college season. Can that translate to the pro game however and can Jackson bring enough defense to the table to help out in a significant way this coming year. Indiana has high hopes of catching the Cavaliers in the East. This draft may be a big sign of what is to come for the Pacers.
NBA Draft 2016: Indiana Pacers Draft Picks, Holes & Needs
