9. Indiana Pacers – Gradey Dick, F, Kansas
I don’t think you can argue against the fact that the Indiana Pacers have a strong core to build around. But in this simulated NBA Mock Draft, I have them going all-in with two selections in this lottery. With the ninth pick, the Pacers select Gradey Dick out of Kansas. Even though he’s had his expected ups and downs as a freshman, the talent is very much evident when you watch Dick play basketball.
Dick averages 14 points and five rebounds on 44 percent shooting from the field and 40 percent shooting from 3-point range. He’s a better athlete than he gets credit for and has great size (at 6-foot-8) as he eyes a jump to the NBA. He’d be a great addition to Tyrese Haliburton, Bennedict Mathurin, and Myles Turner.
In addition, in this simulated NBA Mock Draft, I have the Pacers trading Buddy Hield to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for the rights to the 13th overall pick. Indiana gets an additional first-round draft pick and the Lakers get another weapon heading into the offseason.