Ink on Indy
Fansided

Indiana Pacers Receive Draft Grade

By Garrett Hagan

Mar 25, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Iowa State Cyclones forward Georges Niang (31) dribbles against Virginia Cavaliers forward Anthony Gill (13) during the second half in a semifinal game in the Midwest regional of the NCAA Tournament at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Iowa State Cyclones forward Georges Niang (31) dribbles against Virginia Cavaliers forward Anthony Gill (13) during the second half in a semifinal game in the Midwest regional of the NCAA Tournament at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Indiana Pacers had one total pick in last night’s NBA draft, selecting forward Georges Niang out of Iowa State. Bleacher Report’s Adam Fromal released his draft grades for all 30 NBA teams.

The Indiana Pacers didn’t do anything in the first round of the draft last night due to the trading of their 20th overall selection to the Brooklyn Nets for Thaddeus Young.

With their 50th selection in the 2nd round of the draft however, team president Larry Bird was able to make his selection — drafting Georges Niang out of Iowa State with the pick.

Through four years with the Cyclones, Niang averaged 16.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.1 assists per-game.

Here’s what Fromal had to say regarding the Pacers’ selection of Niang:

"Overall Grade: BNo. 50: Georges Niang, SF/PF, Iowa StateWe’re technically not grading the Indiana Pacers for their Jeff Teague and Thaddeus Young deals—the latter of which The Vertical’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported—as both happened before the draft began. For grades and more information on those moves check out these links.Because of the swaps, the Pacers didn’t make a selection until No. 50, when they chose Iowa State’s Georges Niang. It’s a fun gamble, because this forward is one of those players who could defy the odds and fit in well with the modern NBA.At 6’9″, Niang is big enough to play power forward, and that should end up being his best position despite a lack of elite athletic ability. However, he’s a skilled player who enjoys handling the ball and creating for others, and he often found success at Iowa State while operating on the wings.If he’s a positionless asset, he’ll be a huge steal. If he’s a tweener, he won’t last long."

If the Pacers had been graded on their pre-draft day trades, they certainly would have earned an A+ with their moves — swapping George Hill for Teague in a three-team deal, before trading their first-round pick with the Nets for Young.

Niang was an impact player during his time at Iowa State, and could certainly fit himself into the team’s rotation as the upcoming season approaches.

While it’s unlikely that Niang will eventually be a starter on this current Pacers team, he can turn into a solid contributor and role player.

Next: Indiana Pacers: Larry Bird Works His Magic Two Straight Days

Niang could either be regarded as a steal if he plays well enough throughout the course of the season, or a bust whom finds himself playing in the developmental league.

Be sure to follow Ink On Indy as we continue our coverage of the Indiana Pacers’ offseason.

More from Ink on Indy

Home/Indiana Pacers