The Indiana Pacers came within a whisker of making the NBA Playoffs in 2020-21, but it was also a disappointing season for the organization. After five straight postseason berths and five straight first-round exits, Indiana hired Nate Bjorkgren as a bench coach, but that experiment was short-lived, as substantial health difficulties (particularly with TJ Warren) held the team back significantly throughout a frustrating season. Rick Carlisle arrives to right the ship, and the entire core remains under contract, so the future is quite bright.
Aside from the obvious health implications, the Pacers have a solid core, albeit they are still a club with a lot of good players but no transcendent superstar. With a relative dearth of depth beyond their completely established starters, Indiana’s roster lends itself to “best player available” with a lottery pick.
TJ Warren’s health and the addition of another winger are both needed on the roster.
Chris Duarte (13th overall) received a B-.
In an ideal world, I’d take Duarte late in the lottery. He isn’t for everyone, primarily because he is already 24 years old, but the Oregon standout came late to basketball and could yet improve. The Pacers are always looking for ways to contend, and Duarte can assist them. I did drop them down a half-grade because Moses Moody is the better prospect, and they had the option to choose him.
