2024/25 College basketball / NBA draft thread

[Wizop]

FROM SHAMS:

NBA draft deal: The Indiana Pacers are trading their No. 23 pick and the rights to Mojave King to the New Orleans Pelicans for Indiana's own 2026 first-round pick back which the Pelicans had previously acquired, sources tell ESPN.

time to start looking at the early 2026 mocks?.....

iPacers thinks this could enable a big trade after the trade by eliminating the Stepien Rule. it feels the opposite to me and I think it means we're bringing everyone back as a reward for getting to the Finals.

[JMaster5K]

time to start looking at the early 2026 mocks?.....

iPacers thinks this could enable a big trade after the trade by eliminating the Stepien Rule. it feels the opposite to me and I think it means we're bringing everyone back as a reward for getting to the Finals.

So,.... we are essentially out of the draft (which actually makes sense),... and with resigning our own FA's (which I am happy about),.....

Anyone have any suggestions on something to binge watch, after we win the finals,... till training camp?....

[Wizop]

So,.... we are essentially out of the draft (which actually makes sense),... and with resigning our own FA's (which I am happy about),.....

Anyone have any suggestions on something to binge watch, after we win the finals,... till training camp?....

We still have pick 52.

I'm watching Mob Land, Zero Day, Department Q, and Joe Pickett. The later two are from books I've read although Dept Q is Danish and for some reason they moved it to Scotland.

[Scoot McGroot]

time to start looking at the early 2026 mocks?.....

iPacers thinks this could enable a big trade after the trade by eliminating the Stepien Rule. it feels the opposite to me and I think it means we're bringing everyone back as a reward for getting to the Finals.

It definitely enables the flexibility to do a major trade now. Essentially, there’s very few players in the league we couldn’t acquire with 4 1sts, 3 swaps, Mathurin, Walker, etc.

But also, there’s anywhere from $1-2m in cap savings (and any taxes) from trading out of the 1st round salary spot this year and promoting Freeman instead, or signing a new 2nd round pick to the active roster.

[Wizop]

I understand that the trade gives us flexibility. They speak of "optionality" but is that really a word? Anyway getting our pick back makes sense regardless of whether we have a big trade in mind or not. But I still hope we sign a developmental center and I like several in this draft.

[JMaster5K]

time to start looking at the early 2026 mocks?.....

iPacers thinks this could enable a big trade after the trade by eliminating the Stepien Rule. it feels the opposite to me and I think it means we're bringing everyone back as a reward for getting to the Finals.

It definitely enables the flexibility to do a major trade now. Essentially, there’s very few players in the league we couldn’t acquire with 4 1sts, 3 swaps, Mathurin, Walker, etc.

But also, there’s anywhere from $1-2m in cap savings (and any taxes) from trading out of the 1st round salary spot this year and promoting Freeman instead, or signing a new 2nd round pick to the active roster.

When I first looked at it,... the $3M we save from the draft pick didn't look like much,... but with only $8M between the tax line and the 1st apron (25-26),.... saving that 3M is gonna be REALLY helpful in resigning Myles,... being able to put together a full 14 man min roster,... and not go over the first apron.

OK,... so, In Woo we trust. They have done just an incredible job of managing the cap position,... so IMO,.. gotta trust them.

[Scoot McGroot]

iPacers thinks this could enable a big trade after the trade by eliminating the Stepien Rule. it feels the opposite to me and I think it means we're bringing everyone back as a reward for getting to the Finals.

It definitely enables the flexibility to do a major trade now. Essentially, there’s very few players in the league we couldn’t acquire with 4 1sts, 3 swaps, Mathurin, Walker, etc.

But also, there’s anywhere from $1-2m in cap savings (and any taxes) from trading out of the 1st round salary spot this year and promoting Freeman instead, or signing a new 2nd round pick to the active roster.

When I first looked at it,... the $3M we save from the draft pick didn't look like much,... but with only $8M between the tax line and the 1st apron (25-26),.... saving that 3M is gonna be REALLY helpful in resigning Myles,... being able to put together a full 14 man min roster,... and not go over the first apron.

OK,... so, In Woo we trust. They have done just an incredible job of managing the cap position,... so IMO,.. gotta trust them.

Depending on the transactions we make, we may not have to worry about a hard cap at the first apron. And remember, McConnell’s and Obi’s unearned incentives count against the apron levels if we’re hard capped, too.

But yes, Ted Wu is amongst the best in the business at cap management. They’ll make sure not to unnecessarily burden themselves.

[JMaster5K]

It definitely enables the flexibility to do a major trade now. Essentially, there’s very few players in the league we couldn’t acquire with 4 1sts, 3 swaps, Mathurin, Walker, etc.

But also, there’s anywhere from $1-2m in cap savings (and any taxes) from trading out of the 1st round salary spot this year and promoting Freeman instead, or signing a new 2nd round pick to the active roster.

When I first looked at it,... the $3M we save from the draft pick didn't look like much,... but with only $8M between the tax line and the 1st apron (25-26),.... saving that 3M is gonna be REALLY helpful in resigning Myles,... being able to put together a full 14 man min roster,... and not go over the first apron.

OK,... so, In Woo we trust. They have done just an incredible job of managing the cap position,... so IMO,.. gotta trust them.

Depending on the transactions we make, we may not have to worry about a hard cap at the first apron. And remember, McConnell’s and Obi’s unearned incentives count against the apron levels if we’re hard capped, too.

But yes, Ted Wu is amongst the best in the business at cap management. They’ll make sure not to unnecessarily burden themselves.

Wasn't there a martial arts movie called 'The Wu Assassin'?.... So,... we have Ted Wu,... cap assassin?.... o0 who knew?... 00

[Wizop]

Watch on YouTube

[ButterflyRave]

First and foremost, prayers for Tyrese and a speedy recovery. But I am really glad they re-acquired (edit [sp]) next year‘s first round draft pick.

[JMaster5K]

time to start looking at the early 2026 mocks?.....

iPacers thinks this could enable a big trade after the trade by eliminating the Stepien Rule. it feels the opposite to me and I think it means we're bringing everyone back as a reward for getting to the Finals.

It definitely enables the flexibility to do a major trade now. Essentially, there’s very few players in the league we couldn’t acquire with 4 1sts, 3 swaps, Mathurin, Walker, etc.

But also, there’s anywhere from $1-2m in cap savings (and any taxes) from trading out of the 1st round salary spot this year and promoting Freeman instead, or signing a new 2nd round pick to the active roster.

With the news about Tyrese, and the 'normal' recovery time for this type of injury being a full year (but it has an unusually high chance of a full recovery),... How important now, is getting our 26 pick back?...

[Pacers Forever]

iPacers thinks this could enable a big trade after the trade by eliminating the Stepien Rule. it feels the opposite to me and I think it means we're bringing everyone back as a reward for getting to the Finals.

It definitely enables the flexibility to do a major trade now. Essentially, there’s very few players in the league we couldn’t acquire with 4 1sts, 3 swaps, Mathurin, Walker, etc.

But also, there’s anywhere from $1-2m in cap savings (and any taxes) from trading out of the 1st round salary spot this year and promoting Freeman instead, or signing a new 2nd round pick to the active roster.

With the news about Tyrese, and the 'normal' recovery time for this type of injury being a full year (but it has an unusually high chance of a full recovery),... How important now, is getting our 26 pick back?...

Hard to say because before Tyrese’s injury we didn’t need it for the upcoming season so it was a great move to postpone its usage. Now after his devastating injury if we could have secured a very talented NBA ready point guard in the draft this season the first round pick works. But who on earth knew ? I’m ok with seeing what magic the front office now can come up with for the upcoming season whether it’s trade for point guard depth, switch Andrew to point guard for a season, sign a free agent point guard, or roll with Quenton Jackson.

[JMaster5K]

It definitely enables the flexibility to do a major trade now. Essentially, there’s very few players in the league we couldn’t acquire with 4 1sts, 3 swaps, Mathurin, Walker, etc.

But also, there’s anywhere from $1-2m in cap savings (and any taxes) from trading out of the 1st round salary spot this year and promoting Freeman instead, or signing a new 2nd round pick to the active roster.

With the news about Tyrese, and the 'normal' recovery time for this type of injury being a full year (but it has an unusually high chance of a full recovery),... How important now, is getting our 26 pick back?...

Hard to say because before Tyrese’s injury we didn’t need it for the upcoming season so it was a great move to postpone its usage. Now after his devastating injury if we could have secured a very talented NBA ready point guard in the draft this season the first round pick works. But who on earth knew ? I’m ok with seeing what magic the front office now can come up with for the upcoming season whether it’s trade for point guard depth, switch Andrew to point guard for a season, sign a free agent point guard, or roll with Quenton Jackson.

Yeah,... I'm good with giving up this years pick at 23,... but with Tyrese unlikely for next season,... I have to believe our 26 pick will be significantly earlier than 23,.. even if the front office has more magic & we make the playoffs. The whole settling into a new starting unit (even if it's Nembhard moving to point), a new dynamic,... we will likely take a hit in the regular season win/loss,... and have a much better pick,... in a much deeper & even more talented draft than 25!

In the worst case,.. things don't work and we end up in the lottery,... at least we get the pick.

In the best case,... the FO & Coaches do wonders,... the players find a new rhythm early,... and we win 50+ games,... we are still in a better position because 26 is almost guaranteed to be deeper & more talented than 25.

[Pacers Forever]

With the news about Tyrese, and the 'normal' recovery time for this type of injury being a full year (but it has an unusually high chance of a full recovery),... How important now, is getting our 26 pick back?...

Hard to say because before Tyrese’s injury we didn’t need it for the upcoming season so it was a great move to postpone its usage. Now after his devastating injury if we could have secured a very talented NBA ready point guard in the draft this season the first round pick works. But who on earth knew ? I’m ok with seeing what magic the front office now can come up with for the upcoming season whether it’s trade for point guard depth, switch Andrew to point guard for a season, sign a free agent point guard, or roll with Quenton Jackson.

Yeah,... I'm good with giving up this years pick at 23,... but with Tyrese unlikely for next season,... I have to believe our 26 pick will be significantly earlier than 23,.. even if the front office has more magic & we make the playoffs. The whole settling into a new starting unit (even if it's Nembhard moving to point), a new dynamic,... we will likely take a hit in the regular season win/loss,... and have a much better pick,... in a much deeper & even more talented draft than 25!

In the worst case,.. things don't work and we end up in the lottery,... at least we get the pick.

In the best case,... the FO & Coaches do wonders,... the players find a new rhythm early,... and we win 50+ games,... we are still in a better position because 26 is almost guaranteed to be deeper & more talented than 25.

Agree with significantly earlier than 23rd. I don’t expect miracles to make the playoffs next season.

Final standings this season
Cleveland
Boston
New York
Milwaukee
Detroit
Orlando - will all be better and there’s your 6.

Miami
Atlanta
Chicago - was only 10 wins worse than us
Toronto - gives you the 4 play in teams. 20 wins worse than us

Brooklyn
Philly
Charlotte
Washington 18 wins - 4 bottom feeders


Insert Pacers minus Tyrese - whatever level the front office decides to push for. 18 wins is last and 39 wins were necessary for the final play in spot this season

[JMaster5K]

https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2025/6/22/24453966/indiana-pacers-trade-nba-finals-genius-tyrese-haliburton-injury-pelicans

[Grang33r]

First and foremost, prayers for Tyrese and a speedy recovery. But I am really glad they re-required next year‘s first round draft pick.

First time seeing your user name on the board, welcome!

And yes, getting that pick back seems massive right now. lol

[ButterflyRave]

First and foremost, prayers for Tyrese and a speedy recovery. But I am really glad they re-required next year‘s first round draft pick.

First time seeing your user name on the board, welcome!

And yes, getting that pick back seems massive right now. lol

Thanks! I’ve been reading this forum’s posts for 20 years. Used to post here from time to time under the name LadiesLuvPGs, but forgot that password several years ago. I come here first for anything Pacers related, then Tony East’s pod, then Basketball she wrote if I have time for the deep dive.

I flew up to Indy from SC to attend game 6 solo last Thursday* and had the time of my life, so I just felt moved to post last night.

*this was the second Pacers game I have attended live, with my first being an overtime win at a May 2012 playoff game against the magic in Orlando during Danny Granger’s last great year with us.

[Scoot McGroot]

First and foremost, prayers for Tyrese and a speedy recovery. But I am really glad they re-required next year‘s first round draft pick.

First time seeing your user name on the board, welcome!

And yes, getting that pick back seems massive right now. lol

Thanks! I’ve been reading this forum’s posts for 20 years. Used to post here from time to time under the name LadiesLuvPGs, but forgot that password several years ago. I come here first for anything Pacers related, then Tony East’s pod, then Basketball she wrote if I have time for the deep dive.

I flew up to Indy from SC to attend game 6 solo last Thursday* and had the time of my life, so I just felt moved to post last night.

*this was the second Pacers game I have attended live, with my first being an overtime win at a May 2012 playoff game against the magic in Orlando during Danny Granger’s last great year with us.

lol, I remember ya! Welcome back!

[Grang33r]

I flew up to Indy from SC to attend game 6 solo last Thursday* and had the time of my life, so I just felt moved to post last night.

Wow, awesome! I went to Indy for my first game since PG played, on memorial day weekend vs the Knicks game 3. Also had the time of my life. lol

I also remember that old user name lol, glad to see you back. Please post more! Go Pacers!

[Wizop]

@BobbyMarks42 Brooklyn now has 1/6 of the picks in the first round:

8
19
22
26
27