Round 1: Paul George (10)
Round 2: Lance Stephenson (40), Magnum Rolle (51, obtained from Oklahoma City)
Analysis: For the past few years, Pacers execs Larry Bird and David Morway have not been swinging for the fences in the draft. Instead, they have tried for singles and doubles and, for the most part, they’ve connected — the results have been solid, but not game-changing.
This year, with the Pacers in desperate need of elite talent, they took a different tack, really going for it with an upside pick. In fact, George has as much upside as anyone in the draft not named Wall, Favors or Cousins.
George reminds some scouts of Tracy McGrady, believe it or not just as T-Mac was, George is a great athlete with terrific size for his position who can shoot from range and really finish at the basket. At the same time, he hasn’t consistently used those tools to dominate, which has led some scouts to compare him, less flatteringly, to Nick Young. George’s two seasons at Fresno State were underwhelming. Watching him play can leave you exhilarated and frustrated at the same time.
You could say similar things about Stephenson. He isn’t the terrific athlete or great shooter that George is, but he has an NBA body and a power game that’s well-suited to the league. He too can dazzle you in moments and have you pulling your hair out at other times.
Rolle was a roll of the dice at 51. He’s a terrific athlete and shot-blocker who seldom dominated in college the way his talent suggested he could.
If George and Stephenson get it, Bird and Morway have hit a couple of home runs in the draft.
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