With the NBA Draft fast approaching, and the Early Entry List set, it's time to examine more in depth some of the players who could be available for each of the Pacers three picks. (I am operating under the assumption Dallas will be sending us their 2nd round pick this year, not next, to complete the Shawne Williams deal. June 1st is the final deadline for Dallas to decide.)
Obviously, the Pacers 1st Round pick is the most exciting and has the most potential for value. As we need a lot of improvement in all areas, I will be looking at players who should be available for all three picks. My plan is to post two profiles a day, for 2nd rounders, until the Draft Lottery on May 18th. After the team's first round position is finalized, I'll begin profiling 1st Rounders.
These profiles cover players I believe have some value to offer the Pacers next season and in the future. These profiles are not intended to advocate for one player over another, just examine their strengths and weaknesses, and discuss in some detail what they have to offer. For each profile I provided Ten Important Statistics to guide the discussion. When discussing how each player can help the Pacers I will try to specifically reference the team needs I identified in Setting the Table for the Pacers Summer. Here is who we will be looking at today:
Jon Scheyer - PG - 6'5" 180 lbs. - Duke University
| Pts/40 | Reb/40 | Ast/40 | Stl/40 | eFG% | 3PT% | FT% | FTA/40 | A/TO | PPR |
| 19.8 | 3.9 | 5.3 | 1.8 | 50.0% | 38.3% | 87.8% | 6.0 | 2.98 | 4.29 |
Strengths -
- Scheyer is an above average shooter, especially from the free throw line. He gets to the line at a very high rate. This is especially impressive when you take into account his limited quickness and lack of advanced ball handling moves.
- Scheyer has an extremely high basketball IQ, makes good decisions with the ball and rarely take bad shots. He led the NCAA in A/TO ratio, and only two other point guards, Dogus Balbay from Texas and Al Nolen from Minnesota, had a higher Pure Point Rating than Scheyer. Pure Point Rating is a statistic developed by John Hollinger to more accurately reflect the playmaking abilities of a point guard. Simply put, Jon Scheyer uses his intelligence to maximize his talents, and minimize his deficiencies.
- At 6'5", Scheyer has great size for a point guard.
- Upside. I am well aware of the apparent craziness of implying upside is something to expect from a graduating senior with a limited physical profile. However, he entered college as a shooting guard, and played there almost exclusively in his first two years at Duke. His junior year he split time at the point, and only in his senior year did he become a full time point guard. As great as he was running Duke's offense this year, he still has room to grow as he learns more about this new position.
- He is the only player available in the draft who has been inducted into the Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.
- Some highlights:
Weaknesses -
- Scheyer has very average athleticism. His lack of quickness and strength make it likely he will struggle defending quick athletic guards on the perimeter and in the post.
- Despite his limited athletic tools, he was quite capable at penetrating and getting to the free throw line in college. This skill will certainly not translate to the same level when he is being guarded by NBA defenders.
- Scheyer spent 4-years in a very structured, half-court offense. He has not had as many opportunities to play point guard in an up-tempo full court style offense.
How he can help the Pacers -
- Scheyer's skills address some specific needs the Pacers have. His above average shooting and passing skills will fit in well with the current offensive system.
- He plays smart and he plays hard, two things which haven't been said often about the current Pacers roster.
- If his ability to get to the free throw line translates even a little, it will be a huge upgrade for the team.
- He most likely will never be an NBA starting point guard. I do think he could be a capable backup; playing 12-17 minutes a night, running the offense, making shots and good decisions. Maybe A.J. Pricebecomes the starter at some point this season, Scheyer could then slide from the end of the bench to the backup point guard spot.
- With a pick at the end of the second round, the Pacers have a chance to take a chance on a player who could develop into more than they are now. If the pick doesn't work out it won't have a huge negative impact on the team.
Highlights
More Information -