Is Braden Smith a Good Fit for the Pacers?

Photo Credit: Eakin Howard/Image Images.

Heading into the NBA draft, the Pacers didn't have a draft pick. I'm still not thrilled with them losing out on the Top 5 pick due to the details in the Ivica Zubac trade, but what's done is done. There were rumors about them trading into the second round, which was confirmed when they traded Kam Jones--whom I liked; he was raw, but he had potential--for the 38th pick in the pick second round to select Braden Smith from Purdue.

I was hoping if they were going to trade into the second round, that they would get a big man, but they opted for another guard, which they're loaded with. From what I've read of his scouting report, he reminds me of TJ McConnell, but with more range. Well, judging from his college numbers, he's a decent shooter (43% FG, 38.5% 3PT), but facilitating is his calling card--he's currently the all-time assists leader in NCAA history.

Despite his size, he gives effort on defense. Speaking of which, his lack of size (he's currently listed at 6-0, but I saw he was listed at 5-10 when they first drafted him) will be a problem defensively. Players can overpower him or shoot over the top of him.

It's obvious to me they saw something in him to trade away Jones, whom they picked in the second round last year. Looking at Smith's numbers from the Summer League so far, the shooting has been off, but I think that will come together in time. The playmaking ability can be seen right away. With the passing, playmaking, team-first mentality, and tenacity, he's a perfect fit for the Pacers.