May 16, 2023; Chicago, IL, USA; People walk past the 2023 NBA draft lottery board at McCormick Place West. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Breaking news: Pacers trade with Lakers, apparently not done yet
After all the waiting, questioning and thinking, the time has finally come and the Pacers have made their first round pick in the NBA draft.
There have been many names linked to the seventh overall pick, including Gradey Dick, Jarace Walker, Cam Whitmore and Taylor Hendricks, but we finally know who the Pacers decided to move forward with.
And the time came and the Pacers selected…Bilal Coulibaly? A name no one thought would come, which we immediately learned was being traded to the Wizards.
The Pacers selected Jarace Walker with the eighth pick in the NBA draft.
Sources: Indiana is drafting Jarace Walker at No. 8 over the Wizards in this 7 for 8. Washington also sends two second-round picks to the Pacers to move up Coulibaly. https://t.co/Z8rZKX2Rl3
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 23, 2023
The front office made a smart move to get the player they wanted while also adding two second round picks to their arsenal.
The move indicates the team is committed to continuing to build its young core.
Pacers fans should be thrilled that the team decided to recruit and develop talent instead of trading their assets for a type of player who wins now. Doing so could have hindered them in the short and long term.
Instead, the team will bring in a player that fits perfectly with what the team needs. A talented power forward on both the offensive and defensive ends of the court who looks like he’ll fit right in with the team. A player who will be able to play alongside Tyrese Haliburton perfectly and will fit with the existing core.
Also, the two second round picks, while not high value assets, were worth it to the Pacers as they were able to draft the player they wanted anyway. Of course, there will be questions about leaving players like Whitmore and Hendricks on the board, but Jarace will be a perfect fit.
Welcome to Indy, Jarace! You’ll look great in blue and gold.
