6. Indiana Pacers – Amen Thompson, G, Overtime Elite
At the NBA Trade Deadline, the Indiana Pacers were linked to OG Anunoby. In the end, they didn’t give up the multiple future first-round picks that the Toronto Raptors were looking for. And while they could potentially pursue Anunoby once again this offseason, I believe they will still try to fill that talent void with a projected top-10 draft pick. One player they could roll the dice on is Amen Thompson.
Thompson is viewed as a possible top-five pick and the Pacers having the opportunity to select him at No. 6 would be a huge opportunity. Thompson is absolutely a risk considering he’s very much still a raw prospect but he has the potential to be really good on both ends of the floor – with his defensive prowess likely ahead of his offensive game at this point in his development.
Thompson is a player that could create a big backcourt duo along with Tyrese Haliburton. The belief is that the Pacers will probably trade Buddy Hield at some point in the offseason or at the NBA Trade Deadline; Thompson would be an immediate fit.