Pacers Dive Deep Into NBA Draft Prospect Pool

by Tom Lewis on Jun 17, 2009 10:53 PM EDT in Indiana Pacers News

The Indiana Pacers worked out an interesting collection of draft prospects today, including Nando De Colo, a shooting guard from France. I think here is where I'm supposed to insert the obligatory joke about De Colo's defensive ability raising concerns. Actually, the guy appears to be an intriguing young talent, although he doesn't appear ready to make a sudden impact on the NBA. Here's DC's post-workout interview.

The other second round/free agent prospects working out at the Fieldhouse today included:

Aaron Jackson (Duquesne) - Appears to have nice size for a PG. He's older player without huge upside but someone who would be ready to compete from day one. I'm thinking of Anthony Johnson. Post-workout interview
Kevin Lisch (St. Louis) - College two guard trying to convince teams he can play the point. Post-workout interview
Tyrese Rice (Boston College) - Big time scoring point guard for BC, but at 6'1" he'll have to do more than score in the NBA. With his shooting prowess though, it seems like he'd be a good fit with Jim O'Brien. Post-workout interview

The Pacers have brought in a lot of second round/free agent-type prospects, making sure to dig deep for any diamonds in the rough. I realize the pool of these candidates is larger than the first round prospects, but the team should be in good shape to trade down for more picks if they can find a partner.

Bruno put together a nice prospect checklist which does not include the players who were in on Wednesday. If you include today's players, the team has scrutinized seven point guards and eight power forwards at the Fieldhouse. I heard somewhere today that Eric Maynor and Brandon Jennings were among the players expected to workout either tomorrow or Friday.

Speaking of point guards, DraftExpress takes a look at the numbers to analyze the production of this year's point guard prospects. Ty Lawson looks pretty good when you compare the numbers.

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Honestly I'm kind of sick of drafting foreign guys in the 2nd who'll have no impact for years if ever.

I mean really if you eliminate the Spurs has that draft theory worked? I’d much rather, for example, take a big guy with minor upside (like a Jon Brockman) or a senior college guard who has a few flaws (like Rice or A.J. Price), especially considering how thin our current roster is looking.

As for the statistical PG analysis, there are a few stylistic things that skew that stats. Ty Lawson, for example was surrounded by as much talent as say Mills, Maynor, Vasquez, and Curry combined. This leads to more assists (to players who can knock down shots), more open shots (because defenders can’t cheat off other talented guys), and less turnovers (again, guys have to stay home on their guys). Guys like the previous 4 I listed were the entire focus of opposing teams’ defenses. They dealt with more double teams, less open shots, and having to force things more. I dunno, Lawson’s still the #9 PG in the draft to me.

by SethGrandpa on Jun 18, 2009 12:52 AM EDT reply actions

You have to weight it all out...

One problem in the NBA is the fact that they like to recycle players way too much. At some point these old guys should be forced to retire and not play for a building franchises that continue to give them jobs.

There are only 15 spots per team and there just isn’t enough room for a few American projects on the roster unless they have enormous talent. So if you draft someone in the second that isn’t foreign they better have portions of their game ready for the NBA or be able to play in Europe. I for one, think there can be players found in the second round every year. I think buying picks in the early second is a pretty decent business and can really help a franchise.

For example this draft class doesn’t have much depth but going back to last year I see Joey Dorsey who could have a Ben Wallace-esque career. I see DeAndre Jordan who has worlds of upside. Douglas-Roberts who can score in the NBA, just may not be able to do much else but could develop. To go along with Bill Walker, Mbah a Moute, Mario Chalmers, and a few others. I would take any one of these guys currently for much of our roster fodder (Graham, Diener, McRoberts, Tinsley etc.).

On top of this, if a second rounder shows a penchant to perform for a half a year, they then have trade value. Cheap and under team control, young, and can play a little can get you a pretty good return ie Ryan Gomes.

So I feel like there is money to be made in the second round by taking the American ball player, especially since everyone is scouting foreign players and very few slip through the cracks any more.

by kennythered on Jun 18, 2009 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions

Second Rounders I like this year...

Toney Douglas – First round talent but not enough size. Ben Gordon type upside.
Taj Gibson – Great athlete and measure-ables but has never put it together in college. He could be a real defensive force at the 4 spot if the offensive game never develops.
Jodie Meeks – Can stroke it. Maybe its the same college thing but I could see him having a Kelenna Azubuike early going then catching on with a team that he fits and being successful.
Demarre Carroll – May slip deep because of health concerns. Could be a Rodman-lite type player.
Rodrigue Beaubois – My favorite foreign sleeper and the only one I think I would take this year. He is 6-2 with a 6-9 wingspan and a 8-4 standing reach. If he is there with our second rounder we should take him. Born in 88 and could use a year to develop off the bench but then be ready to go in two years. But get him to America this year.
Nick Calathes – He has first round, possible lottery talent but he has already signed with a Greek team. Now he wants to be bought out and play in the US. If he is there with our 52nd pick he may be worth it.

by kennythered on Jun 18, 2009 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions

I love Brockman

I’ve enjoyed watching this guy play over the last four years and think his motor alone makes him more valuable than Josh McRoberts. If he goes undrafted, like I think he will, we should sign him to be the 12th man instead of Josh. His rebounding and toughness will make him a fan favorite, unlike McRoberts who I think a lot of people in Indiana dislike because he skipped town to play at Duke.

by ThirtyOne on Jun 18, 2009 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions

I saw pictures

Of Jennings working out today. Anyone heard any news on how the workouts went?

by jantz101 on Jun 18, 2009 6:06 PM EDT reply actions

Jennings was happy with his workout

I’ll have his interview info up later, he was also on local radio. From some in attendance it sounded like he looked amazing at times and wildly erratic at other times.

Indy Cornrows

by Tom Lewis on Jun 18, 2009 6:17 PM EDT up reply actions

For the interview

He looked good in blue and in front of blue. Just sayin’ is all I’m sayin’. He’s still #1 on my board even with the little talking he’s been doing, though I am starting to take a bit of an interest in Maynor.

by Nathan S. on Jun 18, 2009 7:40 PM EDT up reply actions