Indiana Pacers: Five Possible Second Round Options
By Kyle Nishida
Point Guard / Shooting Guard Tyrone Wallace
Tyrone Wallace is another prospect the Indiana Pacers worked out early in the draft process. This senior prospect played both point guard and shooting guard at the University of California – Berkeley.
The four-year Golden Bear starter averaged 12.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. Wallace’s best year was his junior season when he recorded 17.1 points, 7.4 rebounds and four assists per game and earned first-team All-PAC-12 honors.
Right now, Wallace is projected as a late second round or an undrafted prospect in the upcoming draft. Although he is not viewed favorable by most scouts, it only takes one team to like him, and he has some features that could intrigue the Pacers.
First of all, Wallace is 6-5 and has a 6-10 wingspan. Length is very good to have at the guard positions, and Wallace is lengthy enough to play both.
His length and size allows him to be a very effective defensive player. Scouts and analysts all agree that Wallace’s defensive skills are his best trait. He stays in front of quick and smaller guards very well and also, can take on bigger shooting guards and small forwards.
Offensively, Wallace is well-versed in pick-and-roll offenses. The pick-and-roll is something every NBA team uses, and the fact Wallace used it and defended it a lot in college will help him transition into the NBA faster.
Unfortunately, Wallace is not a very good perimeter shooter. He shot below 30% from behind the 3-point line. He got most of his points from shoots close to the rim or at the free throw line. Not all guards need to shoot the three-point shot well (i.e Shaun Livingston), but it is hard to keep players on the floor who have unreliable jump shots.
Schematically, the only things know about the Pacers is they want to play faster and score more points. While Wallace is not a good shooter yet, he knows how to put himself in position to score points.
Shooting mechanics are more correctable than trying to teach someone how to create open shots. Luckily, Wallace knows how to put himself in scoring spots. He just need to develop a better jump shot, which the Pacers can help him with.
There may be better second round prospects than Wallace, but it would not be surprise to see the Indiana Pacers take a chance on this 22-year-old prospect.
Next: PF / C Robert Carter