Jarace Walker, F, Houston
If the Indiana Pacers are looking for a player that can play next to Myles Turner, Jarace Walker is a prospect that should get some consideration. He’s one of the most versatile big man prospects in this year’s NBA Draft class and would give the Pacers some options in how to use him. Indiana could play him next to or even behind Turner. Walker could seemingly play the 4 or 5 thanks to his athleticism and overall skill set.
Walker is a read-to-go defender in the league and will be able to switch all over the floor on that end of the floor. He’s also noted for being somewhat of a secondary playmaker. Coming from the frontcourt, that could be an attractive attribute for the Pacers. Walker averaged 11 points and seven rebounds on 47 percent shooting from the field and 35 percent shooting from 3-point range during his freshman season at Houston.
If there are any concerns about Walker and his transition to the NBA game, it’s that he wasn’t asked to carry much weight on the offensive end of the floor for the Cougars, and depending on how he develops in that aspect, it could end up limiting his long-term potential.