Pacers Draft Possibilities - Pick #40: Craig Brackins

 

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:

Craig Brackins - PF - 6'10"  230 lbs. - Iowa State University

Strengths -

• Brackins has good size and strength for a post player.
• Despite his poor efficiency numbers, Brackins has the potential to be a diverse and efficient scorer. Percentages aside, he has good form and touch on his jump shot. He does not have advanced post moves, but has an effective turn-around, and had many opportunities to work in the post last season. He also has a developing face-up game.
• Brackins was a dominant defensive rebounder two years ago, although his numbers dropped off significantly with the addition of Marquis Gilstrap this season.
• He has had the opportunity to be the focal of his team's offense for two years. Although it hasn't helped his efficiency, he is used to double teams and lots of defensive attention.
• Some highlights:

Weaknesses -

• Despite good size and strength, he displays average athleticism and explosiveness.
• He played with a lot of passivity this season, which led to a huge decrease in his numbers, both in terms of totals and efficiency.
• His quickness makes him shaky as a perimeter defender, in pick and roll situations and with face-up power forwards.
• He is a player who was projected as a lottery pick last year, but decided to return to school. His numbers dropped significantly and so did his draft stock. Brackins simply never played like he had something to prove.

How can he help the Pacers -

• Despite his defensive shortcomings, Craig Brackins could be a talent upgrade over Solomon Jones. He would add frontcourt depth at the end of the bench.
• He has the potential to develop into a potent frontcourt scorer. The problem is he probably won't have a chance to earn many minutes in the Pacers crowded frontcourt next season. If the Pacers select him, he would be a candidate for a D-League assignment where he could develop his skills, and potentially help the team down the road after the departures of Troy Murphy and Jeff Foster.

More Information -

• Hickory High Draft Recommendation (also written by me)
• Craig Brackins Draftexpress Profile
• Craig Brackins ESPN Draft Card
• Craig Brackins NBADraft.net Player Card