Draft Capital
As mentioned above, Indiana will not know if it will keep its 2026 first-round selection (Protected 1-4, 10-30) until the draft lottery on May 10. The Pacers don’t have a second-round selection in 2026, as the Memphis Grizzlies currently hold it via a trade with Milwaukee.
The Pacers have four of their own future first-round selections (2027, 2028, 2030, 2032) over the subsequent five seasons. The Pacers will send the Clippers their 2031 first-round selection if the Clippers keep their 2026 first-round pick. They have seven future second-round picks from 2027 through 2032, including two in 2027.
Ideal 2026 Draft Pick: AJ Dybantsa
Dybantsa would be too tough to pass up if they land the No. 1 overall pick, which could potentially enhance the Pacers’ willingness to trade Nesmith or Nembhard. The 6-9 wing is a three-level scorer who excels at creating his own offense, putting pressure on the rim, and drawing fouls. He also has the frame and defensive tools to be a plus defender.
Ranking the Other Potential Draft Picks
2. Darryn Peterson: Peterson is much maligned after his freshman season, but he would fill one of the Pavers’ needs for a combo guard who can create. If the Pacers draft Peterson, they will likely trade either Nemhard or McConnell before the season.
3. Caleb Wilson: Wilson would project to replace Toppin if he is selected. Wilson fits the Pacers’ needs, as he brings versatility, defense, and rebounding.
4. Cameron Boozer: Boozer is an outstanding prospect and would figure to come off the bench for the Pacers. He is a better offensive prospect than Wilson, but not as athletic or versatile a defender.
The Last Word
Indiana still has lots of talented. But the offseason plan won’t be known until the NBA draft lottery. Toppin figures to be traded as the Pacers can’t just run things back for a second straight season.
“We know that it’s not going to just take flipping a switch,” Siakam said, per Dopirak, after the Pacers season ended on April 12. “Like, ‘Oh, we have everybody back, and we’re going to right back where we were at.’ It’s going to take a lot of rebuilding and making sure that we start over. That’s what it’s going to take. As long as we all have that mindset and we go into the summer with that level of seriousness of understanding what it takes to win, what we’re going to need to do to win, I think we’ll be Ok.”
