Pacers draft Enrique Freeman at 50; sign to Two Way

[Scoot McGroot]

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[Scoot McGroot]

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[Pacers Forever]

This was one of my project picks that I was high on for development due to being a 6’7” power forward who has wingspan length and was a double double threat. The biggest question is can he step up to competing against better talent than he went against at Akron.


Pre-Draft Analysis
Strengths: Freeman is a lanky former walk-on turned walking double-double who competes with infectious energy and flashed some potential as a jump-shooter to cap his career at Akron.

Weaknesses: Playing mostly as a small-ball center in college, Freeman will need to make strides with his shooting as he likely transitions to guarding smaller players with his 212-pound frame.

The verdict: Freeman has a terrific backstory and grew into one of the best big men in the mid-major ranks over his five-year collegiate career. While his activity level and 7-foot-2 wingspan are significant assets, showing he had the ability to take the next step, diversify his offensive repertoire, and defend different positions along the perimeter would solidify his standing as a pro. -- Jonathan Givony

[Pacers Forever]

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[Luv those Knicks]

There's talk that the Knicks really wanted this guy, though they could have picked him at 40 but they traded that pick for 56 and a 2028, partially protected 2nd rounder, so I wonder how much they wanted him, but some Knick fans are unhappy that we didn't get him and maybe some in the Knicks office too.

[JMaster5K]

From the Star on Freeman:

Freeman averaged a double-double in his last three seasons at Akron, earning All-MAC honors in each of those seasons and leading the Zips to a pair of MAC Tournament titles and NCAA Appearances. He was also named MAC All-Defense four times, MAC Defensive Player of the Year in 2021-22 and Player of the Year this year, averaging 18.6 points and 12.9 rebounds per game.

From the combine:
Enrique Freeman PF
Height (barefoot): 6' 7.25'
Weight: 212.0
Standing Reach: '9' 0.00''
Wingspan: 7' 2.00''
Lane Agility: 10.99
Shuttle: 3.04
3/4 court sprint: 3.26
Standing Vertical: 30.5
Max Vertical: 35.0

To put these numbers in comparison.

Freeman is the same Height, same wingspan,.. same standing reach as Oscar. His lane agility & shuttle scores compare to Shep's. (measures of body control & lateral quickness) His 3/4 court time is average for a SG or SF. His Standing Vert is really good, above average (which helps when defending the rim or a post up). His Max Vert is average for the NBA across all positions.

He's a good NBA level athlete, but needs work on his shot & playing in an NBA defense, against NBA level opponents.

[Scoot McGroot]

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[Pacers Forever]

I’m happy with Freeman getting the final 2 way contract as I thought he was more of a future need and priority than Q Jackson.

The Indy Star reporter’s article is the first time I saw negative comments about Tshiebwe and his defense. I read he had trouble with pick and rolls and smaller lineups.The addition of Wiseman didn’t help Tshiebwe either.

I got the feeling that in Summer league Tshiebwe had issues and thought I heard he needed to improve his footwork thus possibly why he wasn’t playing more.

Defense >Rebounding in the Pacer’s current situation
so it makes sense to go with a more mobile development project in Freeman who also can rebound.

[Scoot McGroot]

I’m happy with Freeman getting the final 2 way contract as I thought he was more of a future need and priority than Q Jackson.

The Indy Star reporter’s article is the first time I saw negative comments about Tshiebwe and his defense. I read he had trouble with pick and rolls and smaller lineups.The addition of Wiseman didn’t help Tshiebwe either.

I got the feeling that in Summer league Tshiebwe had issues and thought I heard he needed to improve his footwork thus possibly why he wasn’t playing more.

Defense >Rebounding in the Pacer’s current situation
so it makes sense to go with a more mobile development project in Freeman who also can rebound.

He's not terrible, but he's absolutely not good defensively. He's mostly just playing "get in the way, but focus on the rebound".

I also recall reading midseason that he was having trouble with any sorts of plays/playbook and was just playing on rebounding instinct.

[JMaster5K]

I’m happy with Freeman getting the final 2 way contract as I thought he was more of a future need and priority than Q Jackson.

The Indy Star reporter’s article is the first time I saw negative comments about Tshiebwe and his defense. I read he had trouble with pick and rolls and smaller lineups.The addition of Wiseman didn’t help Tshiebwe either.

I got the feeling that in Summer league Tshiebwe had issues and thought I heard he needed to improve his footwork thus possibly why he wasn’t playing more.

Defense >Rebounding in the Pacer’s current situation
so it makes sense to go with a more mobile development project in Freeman who also can rebound.

There were several reports, some from sportswriters some from analysts, that Tshiebwe was pretty much the same player he had been the year before. Saw & heard the comments about his defensive issues & footwork. They didn't seem to be about 'bad' footwork, but 'slow' footwork. Most seemed to imply that no matter what he could improve skillwise & IQ-wise, he wasn't able to overcome his general lack of NBA athleticism.

Most suggested that for him to succeed, he would have to play the 5,... he isn't big enough at the NBA level to play the 5 for more than spot minutes. He is regularly shot over (by either the roller or the ball-handler), if he plays the back in the P&R. If he fronts,... he regularly gets passed over, as if he isn't there. (It's that standing reaching coming into play again).

His slower than desired footwork makes him unswitchable. He regularly gets exploited from the wing. If you come down one league in competition,... he is an all-star in the G-League. He just can't compete in the NBA. Which is not fun to say. From all the comments about him,... coachable, hard, hard worker, good locker room presence,.... he just one of those guys I really want to see succeed, but reality trumps wishing.

[JMaster5K]

I’m happy with Freeman getting the final 2 way contract as I thought he was more of a future need and priority than Q Jackson.

The Indy Star reporter’s article is the first time I saw negative comments about Tshiebwe and his defense. I read he had trouble with pick and rolls and smaller lineups.The addition of Wiseman didn’t help Tshiebwe either.

I got the feeling that in Summer league Tshiebwe had issues and thought I heard he needed to improve his footwork thus possibly why he wasn’t playing more.

Defense >Rebounding in the Pacer’s current situation
so it makes sense to go with a more mobile development project in Freeman who also can rebound.

Oh yeah,.. thanks for mentioning Freeman when were talking generally about the potential draftees in the other thread. I hadn't looked at him or even noticed him at that point. Really glad you pointed him out. He & Mogbo became my hopefuls for the Pacers. LOL