2023 NBA Mock Draft 6.0: Mavs’ $750K fine pays off

This might be the best possible landing spot for Nick Smith Jr. The Arkansas freshman lost a significant portion of his season to injury, but when he was on the court he did enough to reassure NBA teams of his long-term potential. In Smith, the Pacers see a prime opportunity to establish Tyrese Haliburton’s backcourt partner for the next decade.

Smith is one of the most gifted scorers on the board. He’s elusive and slippery — hard to stay in front of. While he lacks the elite athleticism of certain lottery-bound peers, Smith can get by on his quick first step and immeasurable craft. He has maybe the deepest bag of tricks of any ball-handler in the draft.

That said, Smith’s 3-point numbers were not great in his limited time on the court and he doesn’t have the playmaking acumen of a natural point guard. Not yet, at least. Thus, the great fit with Indiana. He gets to benefit from one of the league’s top set-up men in Haliburton. Smith thrives attacking off the catch and he’s a frequent off-ball mover. His touch around the rim and from mid-range makes it easy to project him as a good 3-point shooter long term. He would feast on cuts and relocation jumpers with Haliburton pulling the strings.

On the defensive end, Smith holds his own. He’s 6-foot-5 with a 6-foot-8 wingspan, providing frenzied activity on the perimeter. He should be able to handle the premier on-ball matchups while Haliburton floats in passing lanes and angles for steals. Meanwhile, the Pacers have one of the best defensive backstops on the planet in Myles Turner.