2014 NBA Draft: Grading each team’s draft

Jun 26, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; A general view as basketball fans walk past a sculpture before the 2014 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 26, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; A general view as basketball fans walk past a sculpture before the 2014 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 30, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward Shane Battier (31) guards Indiana Pacers forward Luis Scola (4) in game six of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
May 30, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward Shane Battier (31) guards Indiana Pacers forward Luis Scola (4) in game six of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Indiana Pacers

Like the Golden State Warriors before them, the Pacers emerged from this season’s draft without the benefit of adding a single player to their roster. On the flip side from Golden State, though, the Pacers were actually in the draft at the outset of the night, but they chose to deal the 57th overall pick (and the eventual rights to French big man Louis Labeyrie) to the New York Knicks for cash considerations.

Much like the Warriors, Indiana is firmly in “win now” mode, but the lack of picks certainly wasn’t a benefit to Larry Bird and company, especially as they search for answers in the wake of an ugly playoff exit. The players acquired for the picks are still on board (Luis Scola, anyone?), but I’m not sure that softens the blow.

Grade: Incomplete