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:
Darington Hobson - SG/SF - 6'7" 205 lbs. - University of New Mexico
| Pts/40 | Reb/40 | Ast/40 | Stl/40 | eFG% | 3PT% | FT% | FTA/40 | A/TO | PPR |
| 18.9 | 11.1 | 5.4 | 1.5 | 48.0% | 36.1% | 65.3% | 6.8 | 1.54 | 0.14 |
Strengths -
- Hobson's biggest strength lies in his versatility. He has the size and skills to play three positions. He acted as a point forward for his team this season, and has the ability to run and direct an offense,
- Hobson is a terrific ball handler, and is very effective driving to the basket. He also does a great job of getting the the free throw line.
- He is a capable shooter with his feet set.
- Hobson has a terrific basketball IQ, and always plays with maximum effort.
Weaknesses -
- Hobson displays very average athleticism, quickness and speed.
- He is not a great finisher at the basket, and struggles some shooting off the dribble.
- Needs to improve his free throw shooting to maximize his dribble penetration skills.
- He spent most of this last college season defending post players, so he may struggle defending on the wing.
- Hobson can get careless with the ball and force some bad shots.
How he can help the Pacers -
- Hobson is a smart and versatile player. He could add talent and depth to the Pacers wing rotation next year. He is most likely never going to be a star. Hobson is good at a lot of things, great at nothing. I do think he can be a glue guy for a very good team. He will defend, pass the ball, make smart decisions, and hopefully be a reliable shooter.
- Drafting Hobson might be an indication that the team is seriously looking to move Brandon Rush. Hobson could benefit from the defensive tutelage of Dahntay Jones, and hopefully be a consistent contributor down the road.
More Information -