The Indiana Pacers‘ possible selections at No. 6 in the 2022 NBA Draft present intriguing scenarios.
Although Indy missed out on its first-ever No. 1 overall selection in the draft, the team can still snag a game-changer at the sixth overall spot.
Let’s size up these rookies who should look good in Pacers Blue and Gold.
3. Jaden Ivey, PG/SG
Some local fans have been clamoring for Jaden Ivey, who grew up in South Bend, IN and attended Purdue University, to remain in-state and play for the Pacers.
Should Ivey somehow fall into the Pacers’ lap at No. 6, he will make a difference right away.
With Ivey on board, oft-injured point guard Malcolm Brogdon becomes expendable.
In that scenario, it’s best if Pacers management trades Brogdon so Ivey can play a major role right away.
The Pacers are now 0.5 games ahead of the 4th worst record in the League.
Speaking Jaden Ivey staying home into existence pic.twitter.com/spGllQAidz
— AKRiley (@AKRileyy5) January 5, 2022
It isn’t hard envisioning Indiana having an All-Star backcourt tandem featuring Ivey and Tyrese Haliburton in a few years’ time.
Ivey is freakishly athletic – he can slash to the basket at will and make long-range jumpers.
This guy’s game is eerily similar to Ja Morant‘s.
Ivey is the real deal for the Pacers.
2. Keegan Murray, PF
Iowa Hawkeyes power forward Keegan Murray is another can’t-miss prospect for the Pacers.
Murray averaged 23.5 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 1.9 blocks in the 2021 NCAA season.
Just like Ivey, Murray has athleticism written all over him – he’s a gifted scorer who can hold his own on rebounding and defense.
He’s a two-way player who figures to make an immediate impact at the power forward spot in the NBA.
Indy has had some high-impact two-way players at the 4 spot – think David West or Domantas Sabonis in the recent past.
Murray, one of the most NBA-ready rookie prospects this year, has All-Star written all over him.
1. Shaedon Sharpe, SG
Shaedon Sharpe is another intriguing prospect for the Blue and Gold.
Sharpe joined the Kentucky Wildcats in January but they opted to sit him out for the rest of the 2021 NCAA campaign.
Since Sharpe hasn’t had real college basketball experience, he will jump to the pro ranks straight from high school.
If the Pacers draft Sharpe at No. 6, it’s a throwback to them drafting New Jersey high school phenom Al Harrington in 1998.
Shaedon Sharpe, your newest Indiana Pacer pic.twitter.com/IsumyyGVI3
— Braydan Luce (@BRAYDAN_LUCE) May 18, 2022
Sharpe is also crazy athletic like Ivey and Murray – he isn’t afraid to challenge bigger defenders down low with his ability to knife down the lane for the layup or dunk.
Sharpe also has a decent perimeter game.
He can shoot lights-out from the three-point area when he’s feeling it.
Sharpe will add depth to a solid shooting guard rotation that includes Chris Duarte and Buddy Hield.
Sharpe’s lack of experience makes him somewhat of a gamble at No. 6 for the Pacers.
Nonetheless, Sharpe should blossom as a legitimate NBA 2-guard in a season or two.
The Pacers Should Make Up For Lost Time
The Pacers’ draft history in recent years hasn’t been great.
Indiana has drafted guys such as T.J. Leaf, Alize Johnson, Goga Bitadze, and Cassius Stanley in the past five years.
None of them exceeded expectations.
So far, only Duarte has the potential to become a bona fide star in the NBA.
When they draft sixth overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, they should make up for lost time.
On that note, they can’t go wrong with Jaden Ivey, Keegan Murray, or Shaedon Sharpe.
NEXT: Can The Pacers Land A Star At No. 6 Overall?