HotelVitale wrote:Hmm, wonder if this is them actually wanting someone who's likely to be available at like #5 or them just saying the obvious point that 'gee, it'd be great if we could package this for Brandon Miller, wouldn't it?'
There are a number of forwards that would be nice fits for the Pacers that are likely to be taken in the 2-10 range. Brandon Miller, Cam Whitmore, Jarace Walker, Taylor Hendricks, and maybe even Ausar Thompson would all be great additions for the Pacers. The Pacers really need help at the forward spots and at PF in particular. A Big Wing that plays both sides of the ball would take the Pacers to the next level.
Amen may have more raw talent than his twin brother Ausar, but he really needs the ball in his hands to be effective. Ausar Thompson plays much more like a Wing and is the superior off-ball player. I think Ausar is a much better fit on the Pacers next to Haliburton, Nemby, Mathurin and Duarte (not to mention veterans McConnell and Hield). I actually prefer Ausar as a prospect, but he still may not be what the Pacers are looking for.
A lot of it may depend on where Amen Thompson and Anthony Black are drafted. Both players have Wing size, but play like PG's. If one or both get drafted 3-6 then the Pacers will have a lot more options to choose from at 7.
TL:DR - To answer your question, I believe this is more than just wishful thinking with respect to Brandon Miller. I think this is the Pacers looking to position themselves to draft one of whichever Forwards they prefer and legitimately offering picks #26 and #29 in order to do so.
theBigLip wrote:Pistons might be interested at #5
Possibly. The Pistons don't need 3 more prospects to develop, but we could maybe use picks #26 and #29 to trade for a veteran we like. It depends on how the draft plays out and whether or not we think we can still get a guy we want at #7.
Personally, I think the Pistons hold on to the pick and draft Cam Whitmore or Jarace Walker.