Do you draft the best player or the best fit if your the Pacers with the #1 pick?
Based on a lot of experts, draft boards and mock drafts, many are saying AJ Dybantsa is the #1 pick. There’s a high chance that the Pacers will win the #1 pick with them being the 2nd worst team in the NBA behind the Wizards who are 1st as the worst team in the league.
There’s expectations that the Pacers are a championship contending team when Tyrese Haliburton comes back next year from his Anchilles injury he suffered in the 2025 Finals. To me AJ doesnt fit with Tyrese at all, AJ is a ball dominant wing who needs the ball in his hands and Tyrese is a ball dominant guard who needs the ball, it’s a awkward fit that could clash with each other.
To me, Cam Boozer fits better with Tyrese cause you can play 2 man game with Cam with Cam’s ability to set screens as a big and roll to the rim for a layup/dunk or pick & pop for the 3. Also, you can put Cam in the dunker spot and Cam overall doesnt need the ball in his hands to be effective, the way Cam scores is usually in the flow of the offense. It’s the same with Darryn Peterson who’s a great C&S 3 point who can make the 3 off movement or on spot up situations. Darryn just like Cam doesnt need the ball to be effective.
AJ has the best talent and best potential with his size, skill level and athleticism but I don’t think he’s the best fit on Indiana. If your Indiana, do you draft talent & potential like AJ for the #1 pick or do you draft the best player that can fit with Tyrese like Cam or Darryn?