NBA Draft 2018: 5 targets for the Indiana Pacers

DAYTON, OH - MARCH 13: Aaron Holiday #3 of the UCLA Bruins reacts against the St. Bonaventure Bonnies during the first half of the First Four game in the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at UD Arena on March 13, 2018 in Dayton, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

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BOISE, ID – MARCH 15: Keita Bates-Diop #33 of the Ohio State Buckeyes reacts against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Taco Bell Arena on March 15, 2018 in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

5. Keita Bates-Diop

Bates-Diop might not project as a superstar at the next level, but he’s got a pretty high floor. That might make him a very attractive addition for the Pacers late in the first round.

In particular, the former Buckeyes’ ability to make shots from the perimeter will be attractive to Indiana. He shot just a shade under 36 percent from 3 at the collegiate level but his stroke is pretty solid. It’s not a stretch to think he can improve that number slightly once he receives some NBA coaching.

The questions about his game are largely about his athleticism. He looks smooth when he’s moving on the court, but there are legitimate questions about his quickness. He’ll need to answer those questions emphatically if he’s going to be able to guard wings at the next level.

If the Pacers make the decision to draft Bates-Diop it may be a clear signal they think Young is leaving town. There are a lot of similarities about the two players’ games. Each one is likely better suited to play as a small-ball four than a true small forward in today’s NBA. He wouldn’t be the most exciting selection for the Pacers, but his maturity would give him a chance to help Oladipo and company right away.

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