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Pacers 23rd Pick Tournament Round One: C.J. Leslie vs. Livio Jean-Charles

In this battle of athletic forwards, we have a great matchup brewing on the frontcourt side of the bracket. Do you want a stretch-4 in Leslie, or another draft-and-stash like Jean-Charles advancing on to the second round?

By Evan Sidery
C.J. Leslie reportedly impressed Indiana at their draft workout last week, even with a hand injury.
C.J. Leslie reportedly impressed Indiana at their draft workout last week, even with a hand injury.
Streeter Lecka

This matchup is a battle between two great forwards who would make a great impact on this team. Really, Leslie and Jean-Charles are very similar to each other. The only difference is that Jean-Charles likely would not come over until at least 2014. Both would be great, young assets to have on this team to eventually replace either Danny Granger or David West. These prospects could play either small forward or power forward on the next level, due to their great athleticism. Who will win this battle of stretch-4's and move on to the second round?

Below are the usual ESPN Insider access pieces and Draft Express video breakdowns on both of these prospects. Leslie and Jean-Charles are both expected to be late-first round picks come draft night, due to them having big-time boosts in their draft stock over the past month.

C.J. Leslie

Projection Late First Round Pick
Positives
  • Big-time athlete
  • Explosive leaping ability
  • Finishes way above the rim
  • Runs the floor like a guard
  • Great quickness for someone his size
  • Emerging perimeter game
  • Excellent shot-blocker
  • Good ball handler for his size
Negatives
  • Needs to add a lot of strength
  • Lacks any real presence in the post on the offensive end
  • Poor free throw shooter

Livio Jean-Charles

Projection Late First Round Pick/Early Second Round Pick
Positives
  • Excellent athlete
  • Great length for his position
  • Runs the floor very well and is good in transition
  • Great motor
Negatives
  • Needs to add strength
  • Lacks a consistent jump shot
  • Poor ball handling skills

Leslie or Jean-Charles would give Indiana much-needed depth and versatility at small forward and power forward. Once Danny Granger's contract expires next season, the Pacers have a hole at the backup spot. Either one of these prospects would come in and fill that role nicely. Both of these players would also add more length and defensive potential on the wing, alongside Paul George.

After the analysis from ESPN's Chad Ford and Draft Express, who should advance on to the second round? Will it be C.J. Leslie or Livio Jean-Charles receiving your vote and moving on in the Indy Cornrows 23rd Pick Tournament?

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