Predicting the Indiana Pacers 1st round NBA draft pick

Feb 9, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Kawhi Leonard (2) leads a fast break against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. San Antonio defeats Indiana 95-93. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Trade the Pick

I wouldn’t put it pass the Pacers to trade the pick to either move up or down the draft order. Even with Paul George returning, the Pacers sound like a team wanting to change up the roster some. They may have to wait a year, as David West and Roy Hibbert are likely to opt in, but the 11th overall pick could be an asset to package with a player a move up in the draft.

There are also teams like the Boston Celtics looking to move up in the draft. Boston holds the 16th and 28th picks in the draft, so perhaps the Pacers could move down to acquire two first round picks and get a Lyles and Rozier, or Grant and Looney.

The Pacers may also look to trade the pick for a young/veteran talent already established in the league. Everyone is chasing the NBA Champion Golden State Warriors, but the Pacers still have to worry about LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the East.

Every NBA team will be looking to improve and shake things up via the draft, and sometimes that means trading talent that’s simply not fitting in with what you’re trying to do. The Clippers have already traded for former Pacer, Lance Stephenson, so phone calls are being made.