NBA Mock Draft: Raptors trade into top 3; Heat land star in blockbuster move

29. Indiana Pacers – Dariq Whitehead, F, Duke

With their third and final first-round pick, I would expect the Indiana Pacers to roll the dice with this selection. And one player that perhaps has the highest ceiling of the prospects still on the board is Dariq Whitehead. From a strict talented standpoint, he should probably be selected higher but because of injuries he’s battling through at the moment and the uncertainty that come with them, he may all to the second round.

Whitehead is a 3-and-D wing with star potential. If he can shake off these most recent injuries, Whitehead has a chance to be an even better pro than he was a college player. And that’s what the Pacers would be betting on while making this selection.

30. LA Clippers – Trayce Jackson-Davis, F, Indiana

With the final pick in the first round, I would keep my eye on Trayce Jackson-Davis. He was one of the most productive players in college basketball last season – averaging 21 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists per game – and he should emerge as an intriguing player for any team that needs to solidify the backcourt.

There will be questions as to whether his game and athleticism (or lack thereof) will translate to the next level, but he deserves a shot to prove himself if nothing else.