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:
Mikhail Torrance - PG - 6'5" 210 lbs. - University of Alabama
| Pts/40 | Reb/40 | Ast/40 | Stl/40 | eFG% | 3PT% | FT% | FT/40 | A/TO | PPR |
| 19.2 | 4.6 | 6.2 | 1.0 | 53.0% | 35.8% | 86.5% | 6.0 | 1.88 | 2.01 |
Strengths -
- Mikhail Torrance has a great physical profile, with good size and strength for either guard position, and above average athleticism.
- Torrance is very aggressive attacking the basket, getting to the free throw line and creating opportunities for his teammates. He has solid playmaking and shot-creating ability.
- He spent his college career bouncing between point guard and shooting guard, and has the skills and abilities to play at either spot.
- Torrance is a terrific free-throw shooter.
Weaknesses -
- Torrance has the ability, but needs to become a much more consistent jump shooter.
- He has a tendency to try the spectacular play instead of making the easy one.
- He does a great job of attacking the basket but, despite his terrific size and athleticism, is not a great finisher.
- Torrance has the potential to be a terrific defender but currently suffers from poor fundamentals and a lack of focus.
How he can help the Pacers -
- Mikhail Torrance finished this season without a lot of buzz about his draft stock, but had a terrific performance at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament. Right now he could be available at pick #57, but he might move up the board as we approach the draft. If the Pacers really like him enough, they might need to grab him at pick #40.
- Although it is a long-shot, Torrance has the potential to develop into a starter at point guard. He has a lot of upside.
- In the short term, he could be a talent upgrade at the end of the Pacers backcourt rotation. If he hypothetically took Luther Head's minutes from last year, he could offer better defense, help with ball movement, and attack the basket from the second unit. Paired with A.J. Price, Torrance could handle the ball, freeing Price up to work off the ball looking for his jumpshot.
- Like all the other players available at the end of the second round, he is a project and will need coaching and development to reach his full potential.
Closest thing to a highlight video available for Torrance. He's number 2.
More information -