Pacers draft Tristen Newton at 49

[Scoot McGroot]

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[Pacers Forever]

6’3” point guard from U Conn

Pre-Draft Analysis
Strengths: Newton is a good-sized guard coming off back-to-back national championships, making strides as a fifth-year senior with his playmaking and interior finishing.

Weaknesses: His outlook is limited by his average physical tools, inconsistent shooting and defensive impact. There are questions about how much room the 23-year-old has to grow in those areas.

The verdict: Newton's improved floor game and decision-making played a big role in UConn's second straight title. He stepped up as a shot-maker in big games last season, and his leadership and experience contributed to UConn's well-oiled machine. His size and experience will earn him pro opportunities, and he has a chance to stick if he can find consistent range. -- Jonathan Givony


Seems like another project headed to the G league.

[Wizop]

So far a wing sized wing and a third unit PG. Center?

[Scoot McGroot]

I would bet that Newton ends up taking Isaiah Wong’s Two way spot and is the “emergency emergency PG” next year. Which is fine at 49

[Pacers Forever]

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[JMaster5K]

From NBADraft.net:

NBA Comparison: Jaylen Nowell

Strengths : Big, smooth playmaking combo guard … Excellent size given his skill set (as a combo guard who skews toward being a lead guard)… Excellent rebounder at the guard position … A good passer and can be trusted to lead an offense, as he did for the 2-time champion Huskies … Reliable. Can play a lot of minutes showing durability … Excellent free throw shooter at 80% … Grabs rebounds and leads the break with good proficiency … Fantastic defender at the guard position, especially given his length … Very smart, one of those players who thrives in all areas on the court besides scoring / scoring efficiency… Has the ball on a string and finds the right guy with timely passing and vision … Always in control… while somewhat limited when it comes to scoring, can score off the dribble with a package of floaters and lay ups … Loves big moments and big games. Clutch …

Weaknesses: A bit of a jack of all trades type, without having a skill to hang his hat on … Will he find a niche to carve out a long career without a real standout skill entering the league? Already 23 years of age, limiting his upside … Not the most efficient scorer, routinely around 40% from the field and low 30s% from three … Outside shot mechanics look good but lack effectiveness … Limited bag when it comes to scoring … Defensively, has excellent length, but not necessarily the quickest feet …

Notes: Played at East Carolina for three seasons before transferring to UConn for his final two years of college eligibility … As a senior in high school, averaged 37.2 points (first in Texas, sixth in the country), 9.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.6 steals and led his school to the District championship … Named El Paso Times Player of the Year… Has one older brother, Jawaun, who also played college ball … Cousin of Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones and former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Alvin Jones …

Tristen Newton PG
Height (barefoot): 6' 3.25''
Weight: 191.8
Standing Reach: 8' 4.00''
Wingspan: 6' 6.75''
Lane Agiltiy: 10.96
Shuttle: 2.84
3/4 Court Sprint: 3.24
Standing Vert: 25.0
Max Vert: 32.5

For Comparison:

Andrew Nembhard PG
Height (barefoot): 6' 3.00''
Weight: 195.6
Standing Reach: 8' 4.50''
Wingspan: 6' 5.75''
Lane Agility: 10.46
Shuttle: 3.02
3/4 Court Sprint: 3.26
Standing Vert: 26.5
Max Vert: 35.0

Ben Sheppard SG
Height (barefoot): 6' 5.25''
Weight: 194.6
Standing Reach: 8' 4.00''
Wingspan: 6' 7.75''
Lane Agility: 10.88
Shuttle: 2.98
3/4 court sprint: 3.17
Standing Vert: 29.5
Max Vert: 35.5

[MNPacersfan]

From NBADraft.net:
For Comparison:

Andrew Nembhard PG
Standing Reach: 6' 4.50''

Not to be that guy, but I think that standing reach is suspect

[JMaster5K]

From NBADraft.net:
For Comparison:

Andrew Nembhard PG
Standing Reach: 6' 4.50''

Not to be that guy, but I think that standing reach is suspect

LOL - you are correct! should have been an 8,.. not a 6. Corrected. Thank you!

a number of the standing reach measurements are generally suspect anyway,... but that one was WAY off,...

[skywalker33]

Solid pick IMO, loved his game at UConn, solid PG. Nice pick, would've loved him on the Nuggets.

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If true I can understand his thinking of trying to make it to the bench on another NBA team and not be on a 2 way contract. While I don’t agree that he’s ready to be in that position maybe his agent has news that a team believes in him enough to make it happen.

Personally I think he belongs on a 2 way contract at best. I don’t blame the Pacers for this decision. I still wish the Pacers could have made a roster spot for TJD in hindsight.

[Wizop]

Agness says we will sign another rookie. Ray J Dennis

[Wizop]

My uninformed guess is Newton wants a two way with a team that will give him some NBA playing time.

[Scoot McGroot]

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If true I can understand his thinking of trying to make it to the bench on another NBA team and not be on a 2 way contract. While I don’t agree that he’s ready to be in that position maybe his agent has news that a team believes in him enough to make it happen.

Personally I think he belongs on a 2 way contract at best. I don’t blame the Pacers for this decision. I still wish the Pacers could have made a roster spot for TJD in hindsight.

Makes some sense to me. If he’s to get some time as a ball handling guard, it’s really hard to find minutes consistently onna team that features Haliburton, Nembhard, and McConnell.

In fact, both McConnell and Nembhard extended long term after Newton was drafted, if I recall the order properly. Hints changed quickly against him here?

[Wizop]

Makes some sense to me. If he’s to get some time as a ball handling guard, it’s really hard to find minutes consistently onna team that features Haliburton, Nembhard, and McConnell.

He was also behind Q.

[Wizop]

Wikipedia already has Dennis signed with us. I assume his agent wrote it

[Scoot McGroot]

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[Grang33r]

I enjoyed watching Newton but it makes sense. There just wasn't a path to playing time.

And it'll get harder after then Pacers draft Ryan Nembhard in the second round next draft... haha

[Wizop]

And it'll get harder after then Pacers draft Ryan Nembhard in the second round next draft... haha

Works!!!