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Pacers 23rd Pick Tournament Round Two: Ricky Ledo vs. Trade Out for Young Veteran

In this matchup, we have a project player against the possibility of trading the pick for a young veteran. Ricky Ledo has the potential to be a star, but trading the pick for a player who can help right away is very intriguing.

By Evan Sidery
Trading the 23rd pick for a veteran point guard, like J.J. Barea, makes a ton of sense on paper.
Trading the 23rd pick for a veteran point guard, like J.J. Barea, makes a ton of sense on paper.
USA TODAY Sports

This matchup is the final one, and possibly the best so far in the tournament. We have Ricky Ledo, a prospect with untapped potential, facing off against trading the 23rd pick for a young veteran. Ledo is expected to be taken in the mid-late first round, while trading the pick is definitely on the table. Teams like the Cavaliers, Warriors and Rockets are trying to acquire first rounders.

Below is the prospect breakdown on Ledo from ESPN's Chad Ford and SB Nation partner, Draft Express. If you want to learn more about Ledo, pay attention the the details provided.

Ricky Ledo

Positives
  • Strong, athletic combo guard
  • Can really shoot the basketball
  • Very intelligent
  • Excellent penetrator
  • Best with the ball in his hands
Negatives
  • Ruled ineligible by NCAA for his freshman season
  • Needs better shot selection
  • Can give inconsistent effort
  • Lots of off-the-court concerns

Now, we get to the scenario if trading the pick for a young veteran. After looking over all 29 other NBA teams, the Minnesota Timberwolves seem like the most logical fit for both sides. There have been rumors floating around about Minnesota wanting to trade Derrick Williams, J.J. Barea, and Luke Ridnour before the draft on Thursday.

Either of these three players could be had for the 23rd pick, it sounds like. Would you trade the pick for any of these players? It makes sense to do it, on paper. The Pacers would get either a young forward to play behind Paul George and David West (Williams), or a veteran point guard who is a upgrade over D.J. Augustin (Barea or Ridnour).

The team Indiana possibly trades with does not have to be Minnesota, but after looking at the tradable players on the block, the Timberwolves make the most sense. Any of these players likely could be had, so it depends on your personal choice who you would want out of those three. Even trading with another team for another young veteran is also in the cards, but as mentioned, Minnesota makes the most sense right now.

After the analysis on Ledo (ESPN and Draft Express) and my quick little blurb on the possibility of trading the pick for a young veteran, who should advance on to the quarterfinals? Will it be Ricky Ledo or Trade Put for Young Veteran receiving your vote to move on in the Indy Cornrows 23rd Pick Tournament?

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