The Indiana Pacers did not qualify for the playoffs during the 2014-15 season, and they couldn’t even enjoy the moment when the face of the franchise, Paul George, returned after his gruesome leg injury during a team USA scrimmage last summer. In the season finale, George was carried off the court after hearing a “pop” in his leg, but luckily not the same leg injured while with team USA.
With a handful of months to get fully healthy, the Pacers’ resurgence back into the postseason hinges on George’s return. Aside from George, Roy Hibbert and David West both have player options for 2015-16. Although the organization has publically stated Hibbert is headed towards a lesser role, he’ll make $15.5 million to opt-in to the final year of his contract.
With a backcourt of C.J. Miles and George Hill returning—a backcourt that couldn’t reach the playoffs in the Eastern Conference, albeit without George—the Pacers need a general infusion of talent at any position. Luckily for them, the NBA Draft is just a week away, in which the Pacers are selecting No. 11 overall.
Basketball season never ends for Pacers fans. Fans looking to support the team in every aspect can book Brooklyn flights through Hipmunk.com to get to the Barclays Center on June 25. Hotels in Brooklyn can be booked with a few clicks, making Hipmunk the one-stop shop travel resource for NBA fans. At the moment, tickets to the NBA Draft have an average price of $93.93, with a get-in price of $41, according to TiqIQ.com.
What are the Pacers’ options at pick No. 11?
Frank Kaminsky | Wisconsin | Center | Senior | 7’, 242 lbs.
College basketball’s National Player of the Year was front and center in Wisconsin’s run to the National Championship game, where they ultimately fell to Duke. The skilled big man showed repeatedly that he could step behind the three-point line and consistently make threes. Kaminsky also showed the ability to handle the ball while blowing by slower centers and performing strongly against the projected No. 2 overall pick Jahlil Okafor in the National Championship. Kaminsky may struggle to defend in the league, but will be an immediate upgrade to any team’s offense with his ability to stretch the floor.
Cameron Payne | Murray State | Guard | Sophomore | 6’2”, 180 lbs.
Dynamic off the pick-and-roll action, Payne would inject youth, talent and basketball IQ into Indiana’s guard situation almost immediately. Strength is a factor, but that comes with the territory with many draft picks. Payne was one of the best scoring college guards in the NCAA last season and his lefty stroke from three-point range makes it easy to admire the wiry guard.
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