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NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Wolves trade down, Warriors surprise?

By Dylan Jackson

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)
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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LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY – JANUARY 23: Jalen Johnson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils shoots the ball against the Louisville Cardinals at KFC YUM! Center on January 23, 2021 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY – JANUARY 23: Jalen Johnson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils shoots the ball against the Louisville Cardinals at KFC YUM! Center on January 23, 2021 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. DUKE. Jalen Johnson. Forward. 12. player. 100

NBA Mock Draft: Indiana Pacers take Jalen Johnson at #12

The Indiana Pacers have too much talent to be in the lottery. Both Damontas Sabonis and Malcolm Brogdon were incredible at the beginning of this past season, and if this team ends up in the lottery, things could get ugly this offseason.

It’s impossible to rule out a Myles Turner, trade, first. That would allow Sabonis to clearly play the five, and surround him with quicker, more perimeter-centric players. Getting someone to fill their backup forward spot would be the perfect fit for the Pacers, and Jalen Johnson slides right to them at 12.

Johnson opted out of the Duke season after about a dozen games. He was impressive in those games, averaging 11 points, six rebounds, and two assists on 52/44/63 splits. His offensive potential is there, although his game is largely unpolished. If he can figure it out, there is a good likelihood Johnson ends up as a top-5 player in this draft class – and that should not be taken lightly given how much talent there is at the top.

The Pacers have a really good chance to re-tool this coming offseason – and it wouldn’t be entirely shocking to see them take any general direction.

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