NBA Draft 2024 Review: Indiana Pacers

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The Indiana Pacers (47-35) ended up going on a strong postseason run last season by reaching the Eastern Conference Finals. What made the run even more impressive was that starting shooting guard Bennedict Mathurin did not play in the NBA Playoffs due to injury.

The Pacers are brimming with optimism this season with every key player back from last season. Plus, Pascal Siakam will be with the team for the entire season after being traded from Toronto to Indiana before the trade deadline last season. Also, the Pacers ended up with three draft players in order to make one of the deepest teams in the NBA even deeper.

Round 2, Pick 5: Johnny Furphy - SG - Kansas. 6'8", 189 lbs (9 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 35.2% 3-PT FG%).

Furphy's strength is three-point shooting from the wing or from the corner. He is also able to drive around defenders if they close out on him and not maintain their proper defensive posture. He may not see too much playing time because he will need to gain at least 20 pounds.

Round 2, Pick 19: Tristen Newton - PG - UConn. 6'5", 192 lbs (15.1 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 6.2 apg, 32.1% 3-PT FG%).

Newton led the Huskies at point guard to two straight NCAA Championships. He dropped a little in this draft because of his age (23 years old) and because he measured at 6'3" at the NBA Combine. The Pacers have so much depth at point guard that he signed a two-way contract.

Round 2, Pick 20: Enrique Freeman - F - Akron. 6'7", 212 lbs (18.6 ppg, 12.9 rpg, 37% 3-PT FG%).

Freeman played as an undersized power forward and operated mostly in the post for the Zips. He will be given time to develop his perimeter skills because the Pacers are also loaded in the frontcourt as well. Freeman was also signed to a two-way contract.

Overview: The Pacers did their due diligence by adding three second-round picks to their roster. Indiana will once again be one of the deepest teams in the NBA.

Grade: B+.