Indiana Pacers: NBA Draft Team Needs
June 16th, 2008
by Raphielle Johnson
Indiana Pacers
2007-08 Record: 36-46
Draft Picks: 11, 41
Key Free Agents
C David Harrison (restricted)
G Ronald "Flip" Murray
How they got here and what they need
The Pacers made a run late but fell just short of making the playoffs, the second straight season in which Indiana took in the second season by way of television. And what's a season in Indiana without Jamaal Tinsley doing something else stupid off the court? I'm thinking, better yet hoping, that the Pacers cut ties with the talented yet troubled lead guard. Jermaine O'Neal missed most of the season due to injury and also has the option to terminate his contract and become a free agent. But given his production the past couple of seasons, he won't command as much money on the open market.
The Pacers need two things: a point guard and some more help inside. Mike Dunleavy and Danny Granger look like two players Larry Bird can rebuild around, but they need a floor general. The interior help can be found at pick 41, unless someone they regard as a "can't miss" prospect is still on the board.
Who they take
They're going to take a point guard, but do they go for the better floor general (Texas' D.J. Augustin) or the better athlete (UCLA's Russell Westbrook)? Given the Pacers' recent history in drafting athleticism over basketball sense, I'd lean towards Augustin being the selection.
Draft History (since 2000)
2007: No Picks
2006: Shawne Williams (17), James White (31)
2005: Danny Granger (17), Erazem Lorbek (46)
2004: David Harrison (30), Rashad Wright (60)
2003: James Jones (49)
2002: Fred Jones (14)
2001: Jamison Brewer (41)
2000: Primoz Brezec (27), Jaquay Walls (56)
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About Raphielle Johnson
Contact
raphiellej@aol.com
Blog
Northeast Hoops Blog
Background
College sports has always been a source of excitement for Raphielle Johnson, be it through watching, writing, or taking a shot in the dark and walking onto a college football team just to live the life (Arizona Football, 2001). Raphielle reports on the schools in the NYC metro area, as well as some articles of national focus (including the Team of the Week). When not writing for CHN, you can usually find him in front of a television set watching one of many pay-per-view sports packages that he owns. Raised in Connecticut, Raphielle is an avid supporter of Connecticut and Big East athletics, yet he tries to be as objective as possible in his job.
Location
New Jersey
Favorite Links
Big East Basketblog: bigeastbasketball.blogspot.com
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