NBA Pre-Draft Analysis: Indiana Pacers
This is a bit of an important off season for the Pacers and it all starts with this pick. The franchise has an opportunity to return to relevance over the next couple of seasons and identifying another piece of the team's core is essential at No. 10.
Danny Granger has already established himself as the Pacers' franchise player. Youngsters Brandon Rush and Roy Hibbert have shown that they can produce and, in the right circumstances, start in this league. And Tyler Hansbrough should be, at the very least, a strong role player and bench contributor. But the Pacers have two pressing areas of need if they are to return to the top eight in the Eastern Conference.
The first one that jumps out is at point guard. T.J. Ford is a nice guy to have around, but he isn't going to lead anyone to the promised land. Luther Head can play the position, but he is truly more of a shooting guard and he is an unrestricted free agent. Earl Watson would be a solid re-sign, but he is not a starter. Unfortunately for Indiana, there may not be a starting point guard available at this point in the draft. Eric Bledsoe could turn into a mid-round steal, but he is a bit of a reach with all of the other options that are going to be on the board at No. 10.
The Pacers' other pressing need is clearly in the middle. Hibbert is a solid performer, but he is not a consistent threat down low. And, as previously pointed out, Hansbrough is not yet an NBA starter. So a guy like Ed Davis here would be a great option for Indiana.
Davis has good size and athleticism and brings a shot-blocking presence that Indiana would certainly welcome. His offensive game isn't exactly there yet, but neither are the Pacers. So by the time he is ready to be a reliable force on the offensive end, maybe Indiana will be ready to be a playoff contender.
Lots of guys will get attention here. But if Davis is still around this deep into the first round, it seems like a virtual no-brainer for Indiana brass.
Davis' selection leaves Indiana with the expiring contracts of Troy Murphy and T.J. Ford to shop around in its quest to fill other voids, namely the point guard position.
