2021 NBA Mock Draft 1.0: Timberwolves keep pick, Magic load up

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 21: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys reacts against the Oregon State Beavers during the second half in the second round game of the 2021 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 21, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

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MIAMI, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 01: Jalen Johnson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

12. Indiana Pacers – Jalen Johnson, Forward/Big, Duke

The Indiana Pacers certainly did not anticipate selecting this high prior to this season. But the entire team has seemingly underperformed, and the firing of coach Nate McMillan looks worse by the day.

Jalen Johnson is an inside scorer that will be a project from the jump. He slots right in as a forward that can come in, shoot the occasional three, grab boards, and contest on defense. Johnson only played 13 games at Duke (starting eight of them), but his impact was noticeable in those games.

Jalen Johnson should be able to play alongside either Myles Turner or Damontas Sabonis, and would just be another complimentary piece on a Pacers team that has so many of them.

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