NBA Draft rumors: Lillard threatens trade demand, Rockets shopping No. 20, Pacers focusing in?

NBA Draft rumors: Pacers working out multiple forwards

The Indiana Pacers’ need at power forward in well documented. The team has its point guard of the future in Tyrese Haliburton, its defensive backbone in Myles Turner, and a high-octane scoring wing in Bennedict Mathurin. Another infusion of size, shooting, and defensive versatility in the frontcourt could tie it all together.

That would appear to be the central focus in Indiana’s recent individual workouts. Houston’s Jarace Walker and UCF’s Taylor Hendricks both held one-on-one sessions with the team on Tuesday in hopes of potentially becoming the No. 7 overall pick on draft night.

Both players bring different attributes to the table. Hendricks is your traditional 3-and-D forward. He’s a monster athlete with the mobility to defend 1-4 or 1-5 depending on the matchup, and he hit almost 40 percent of his 3s in college. He does, however, have significant limitations as a self-creator and decision-maker offensively.

Jarace Walker doesn’t provide the same volume threat from deep, but he’s even stronger and offers true 1-5 versatility on the defensive end. He’s bulky enough to wage battle with post-up centers and he’s nimble on the perimeter, capable of sliding his feet to stonewall guards at the point of attack. Offensively, Walker makes up for his limited shooting volume with advanced passing acumen and tantalizing flashes of face-up scoring ability, combined with his elite touch around the rim. Hendricks is the No. 11 prospect on the FanSided board; Walker is the No. 5 prospect. Both would be sensible choices for the Pacers.