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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SAN ANTONIO, TX – APRIL 02: Omari Spellman #14 of the Villanova Wildcats drives to the basket against the Michigan Wolverines during the first half of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Final Four National Championship game at the Alamodome on April 2, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Brett Wilhelm/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) /

4. Omari Spellman

It might have taken a while for Spellman to decide to stay in the draft, but now he’s in with both feet. It’s very possible he could don a Pacers hat after they select him with the No. 23 pick.

Spellman could replace Young in a very different manner than Bates-Diop. In some ways, he’d be the Pacers’ center defensively while Turner would guard fours out on the perimeter. That isn’t a perfect fit, but his talent might be too much for the Pacers to pass up.

On the offensive end, he would be a great fit with Indiana’s starting five. Spellman shot over 43 percent from 3 in limited attempts for the Wildcats last season. He’s going to need to learn how to diversify his jump shooting, but he has a solid stroke that should improve over time. He could become a stretch four or five in time.

Ultimately, the Pacers will have to decide just how much risk they’re willing to take on with their first round pick. If they want safety they can stick with Bates-Diop. If, on the other hand, they want to swing with the fences, Spellman would represent an excellent selection. Given where the Pacers stand as a franchise, shooting for a potential star is the better play.

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