Fansided

2017 FanSided NBA Network Mock Draft: Let the experts decide

By Staff

March 17, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the first half in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
March 17, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the first half in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Ojeleye
Dec 27, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs forward Semi Ojeleye (33) handles the ball against Memphis Tigers guard Dedric Lawson (1) during the second half at FedExForum. Southern Methodist Mustangs defeated the Memphis Tigers 58-54. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /
18

Semi Ojeleye

Forward, SMU

I know this is a reach, but hear me out. The Pacers have a lot of holes in their roster, and the ideal draft pick would fill a role on both a team with Paul George and a team without him. Semi Ojeleye is that guy. He could help shore up wing depth and provide 3-and-D potential if the Pacers continue to build around George, and he can also serve as a combo forward of the future if Myles Turner becomes the new cornerstone.

Ojeleye is a swiss army knife on offense, and Indiana desperately needs that versatility to add to its bench of one-trick ponies. He’s already an effective 3-point shooter in catch-and-shoot situations, and his points per possession in the pick-and-pop was the best in the NCAA. Whoever the Pacers end up playing at point guard next season will be happy to have Ojeleye on their side.

He’s in a bit of a no-man’s land positionally, but that’s not a huge deal to me. The way the league is going, I think Ojeleye will have no problem playing a lot of minutes at the four, even at 6-foot-7. His 235-pound frame will make it a lot easier for him to stop opposing power forwards in the post, and I think he has the upside to guard two through four someday. Ojeleye has his warts just like everyone else. His off-the-dribble game needs work, and there’s a chance he won’t be fleet of foot enough to guard quicker wings. That said, I think he would be a great fit on this Pacers team regardless of how the Paul George soap opera concludes.

— Hunter Kuffel, 8 points 9 seconds, @8pts9secs