5. Indiana Pacers – Jaden Ivey, G, Purdue
For a team that will likely be looking to revamp its roster during the offseason, the Indiana Pacers will likely be looking for the best player available should they pick in the top 5. For this team, at least for now, it won’t be about need or fit.
Jaden Ivey may fit the bill for the Pacers at No. 5. He’s a second-year guard that has improved greatly on nearly every front compared to his freshman season last year. So far this season, Ivey is averaging 16 points and three assists on 50 percent shooting from the field and 44 percent shooting from 3-point range.
He’s not a pure point guard but is certainly one that could light up the scoreboard on any given night; he’s exactly what the Pacers will need to replace if they decide to trade Caris LeVert during the offseason or at the trade deadline.