Pacers' Running Selections
Nov 15, 2013 4:48:16 GMT
Post by Lukc on Nov 15, 2013 4:48:16 GMT
Pacers' Running Selections
Rounds 1 to 12 coverage
1st Round, 20th overall: Damian LILLARD, 21
In the first round, the Indiana Pacers selected rookie point guard, Damian Lillard. Known for his good ball-handling and shooting mechanics, Pacers are hoping this young buck can develop into a top notch point guard over time. "He takes care of the ball, he is a heady point guard. Got to love that," Pacers GM said. "We were contemplatig between Lillard, Rose and Westbrook, and although the other two are a proven commodity, Lillard brings a more veteran-like appeal to his game and already has a very good three-point shot. Those were definitley the selling points that helped us pick Damian over other guys."
2nd Round, 41st overall: Stephen CURRY, 24
In the second round, Pacers somewhat surprisingly selected the 6-3 Curry. He joins Lillard, another 6-3 point guard. It is expected that the Pacers will run a smaller backcourt and emphasize ball security and three point shot with them. "People were surprised, since we drafted a point guard in the first round. And there was some dilemma if Curry was the right pick for us here, but we feel that with league's guard rotation getting smaller in recent years, Lillard and Curry can create for an interesting backcourt combo," Pacers GM said. The common sense had Pacers go after a big player like Noah for example, but Pacers opted for the 24-year old sharpshooter.
3rd Round, 80th overall: Klay THOMPSON, 22
Despite conventional wisdom that had Pacers selecting a big man in the third round after nabbing two guards before, Pacers went with an outside treat once again. They selected the 22-year old sharpshooter, Klay Thompson, a player capable of playing both shooting guard and small forward. "His shot was just too good to pass up. Obviously that means we are still without a big guy, but with him, Lillard and Curry I believe we have one of the better if not the best three-point shooting teams in the league at this point," Pacers GM said. It will be fun figuring out a rotation that will fit those three guys the best. They are young and they have good fundamentals. Those are good qualities to see in players so young.
4th Round, 101st overall: Ekpe UDOH, 26
In the fourth round, the Pacers selected their first big man in 6-10 Ekpe Udoh. Known for his defense, Udoh will not bother the sweet shooting trio of Lillard, Curry and Thompson on offense, but his blocking ability and smart veteran defense is hoped to have major impact for the team on the other end of the floor. While not particularly tall or a good rebounding player, Ekpe has been known to play beyond his abilities thanks to decent on-court smarts and disciplined approach to the game plan. He also brings in a rather low $3.5 million contract, totalling the team payroll to just $12.77 million after the Pacers' first four selections.
5th Round, 141st overall, Omer ASIK, 26
It looks like the Pacers selected their final piece of the starting lineup, adding the 7-0 Omer Asik to the roster, to play the center position. It appears that the goal for the Pacers is to find the majority of their scoring on the perimeter, while they will look to find the majority of their defense down low with Asik and Udoh, both prolific shot blockers. Asik has been known around the league as a heady defender who uses both his body and instincts well on defense. His length also comes in handy on the boards. While Asik is not particularly athletic player, his basketball IQ covers up for some of that. At the momment, he is the highest-paid Pacer player on the roster, making just over $8.3 million, pushing the team salary above the $21 million mark.
6th Round, 161st overall, Brandon RUSH, 26
In the sixth round the Pacers selected yet another sharpshooter in Brandon Rush. The 6-6 wingman is returning to Indiana after playing with the Warriors last year. Rush is best known for his accurate shot from distance and the ability to block shots at the wing position. He comes in with a two year deal, second year being a player option.
Rounds 1 to 12 coverage
1st Round, 20th overall: Damian LILLARD, 21
In the first round, the Indiana Pacers selected rookie point guard, Damian Lillard. Known for his good ball-handling and shooting mechanics, Pacers are hoping this young buck can develop into a top notch point guard over time. "He takes care of the ball, he is a heady point guard. Got to love that," Pacers GM said. "We were contemplatig between Lillard, Rose and Westbrook, and although the other two are a proven commodity, Lillard brings a more veteran-like appeal to his game and already has a very good three-point shot. Those were definitley the selling points that helped us pick Damian over other guys."
2nd Round, 41st overall: Stephen CURRY, 24
In the second round, Pacers somewhat surprisingly selected the 6-3 Curry. He joins Lillard, another 6-3 point guard. It is expected that the Pacers will run a smaller backcourt and emphasize ball security and three point shot with them. "People were surprised, since we drafted a point guard in the first round. And there was some dilemma if Curry was the right pick for us here, but we feel that with league's guard rotation getting smaller in recent years, Lillard and Curry can create for an interesting backcourt combo," Pacers GM said. The common sense had Pacers go after a big player like Noah for example, but Pacers opted for the 24-year old sharpshooter.
3rd Round, 80th overall: Klay THOMPSON, 22
Despite conventional wisdom that had Pacers selecting a big man in the third round after nabbing two guards before, Pacers went with an outside treat once again. They selected the 22-year old sharpshooter, Klay Thompson, a player capable of playing both shooting guard and small forward. "His shot was just too good to pass up. Obviously that means we are still without a big guy, but with him, Lillard and Curry I believe we have one of the better if not the best three-point shooting teams in the league at this point," Pacers GM said. It will be fun figuring out a rotation that will fit those three guys the best. They are young and they have good fundamentals. Those are good qualities to see in players so young.
4th Round, 101st overall: Ekpe UDOH, 26
In the fourth round, the Pacers selected their first big man in 6-10 Ekpe Udoh. Known for his defense, Udoh will not bother the sweet shooting trio of Lillard, Curry and Thompson on offense, but his blocking ability and smart veteran defense is hoped to have major impact for the team on the other end of the floor. While not particularly tall or a good rebounding player, Ekpe has been known to play beyond his abilities thanks to decent on-court smarts and disciplined approach to the game plan. He also brings in a rather low $3.5 million contract, totalling the team payroll to just $12.77 million after the Pacers' first four selections.
5th Round, 141st overall, Omer ASIK, 26
It looks like the Pacers selected their final piece of the starting lineup, adding the 7-0 Omer Asik to the roster, to play the center position. It appears that the goal for the Pacers is to find the majority of their scoring on the perimeter, while they will look to find the majority of their defense down low with Asik and Udoh, both prolific shot blockers. Asik has been known around the league as a heady defender who uses both his body and instincts well on defense. His length also comes in handy on the boards. While Asik is not particularly athletic player, his basketball IQ covers up for some of that. At the momment, he is the highest-paid Pacer player on the roster, making just over $8.3 million, pushing the team salary above the $21 million mark.
6th Round, 161st overall, Brandon RUSH, 26
In the sixth round the Pacers selected yet another sharpshooter in Brandon Rush. The 6-6 wingman is returning to Indiana after playing with the Warriors last year. Rush is best known for his accurate shot from distance and the ability to block shots at the wing position. He comes in with a two year deal, second year being a player option.