Likewise same question about Isaiah Jackson, Duane Washington, Terry Taylor, and Keifer Sykes.
My comparison to other rookies drafted is only based on this season’s performance and no indication of the future relevance of any of this draft class.
Starting with Duarte #13 pick
I feel 4 of 12 players drafted before him haven’t been better this season than Duarte and only 2 players drafted after him have fared better. Draft pick spot on.
My feelings are he’s played recklessly hard with great determination to succeed. Thus his limited playing time due to injuries.
He’s had some really great flashes showing his bright future potential. He’s also been mismatched which is a good learning experience to deal with that in the NBA. He’s being coached up and seems receptive as he’s wanting to be a great player.
I’m not disappointed but truthfully expected better results this first season. Life happens thus he’ll grow and have a better season next year.
Isiah Jackson pick #22
Interestingly I feel 7 players drafted before Jackson have struggled (mostly minutes related reasons) to have a better season.
Some of those 7 are very close in comparison. Only 4 players drafted after him have had better seasons. Great job draft day Pacers.
I’m really impressed with his ability to affect the game with his talent. His draft videos showed his rim defense and offense. What you didn’t imagine is how quickly he can jump over and over to get the rebound, block, or put back. His shot selection is better than in college and I think his shot might be improving.
Of course his jumping leads to excessive fouls and I expect him to correct that in due time. It’s questionable if he’s playing out of position or not and I’m sure the Pacers will show us what position they’re grooming him to be.
All in all I’m saying this was a great move for the assets traded. Now that begs the question of
Has Jackson impressed you more than Duarte this season ????
Duane Washington undrafted
Obviously Washington was a draft night target and the Pacers got their man as an undrafted 2 way signing. Only comparison I’ll make to other drafted rookie players is he’s done very well getting big opportunity 17 other draftees haven’t.
While Washington has gained NBA experience I still feel he’s a 2 way player next season maybe last man on roster. His positive is he can shoot the 3 at 36% so far. Only shooting 38% from 2 is a problem. Defense has to get better as well as turnovers. I’m pleased with this get.
Terry Taylor undrafted
His game is not only rebounding but easy put back buckets among players taller. Shooting 60%. Such strength in his smaller frame to be physical and muscle with the bigs. He’s got a nose for the ball and gets 50-50 balls.
Weaknesses I see are defensively too short to defend low post bigs shot attempts, I see him fouling non big players with a nudge or push when beat, and outside shot needs to improve. Good thing is he doesn’t shoot from anywhere but the paint.
WOW just a great bench/2 way find.
Keifer Sykes undrafted
Shooting 35% from 2 and 29% from 3 isn’t good. Assists 2 to 1 turnovers. Probably his greatest strength is maturity/experience even though it’s not in the NBA.
Let’s call it what it is. He’s had bad luck with the NBA forcing him to go over seas until the Pacers used him in SL and training camp signing him to the Mad Ants. He’s trapped behind much more talent on this roster and suited to be a 2 way or G league player. Might be a better Pacer than TJ Leaf ever was ?
