By: Dustin Chapman

Transactions

• Selected Jerryd Bayless 11th overall and traded his rights along with Ike Diogu to Portland for Jarrett Jack, Josh McRoberts, and the rights to Brandon Rush (13th overall).

• Toronto selected Roy Hibbert 17th overall for Indiana, as a product of this draft pick being involved in the aforementioned Pacers-Raptors deal.

• Selected Nathan Jawai 41st overall for Toronto, which will also be included in the Pacers-Raptors deal.

Indiana has been wheelin’ n’ dealin’, and as a product of it, they had a terrific draft (assuming both deals go through).

First off, the reported deal with Toronto will bring T.J. Ford, Rasho Nesterovic, Maceo Baston, and the rights to the 17th overall pick (Roy Hibbert) in exchange for Jermaine O’Neal and the rights to the 41st overall pick (Nathan Jawai). That brings Indiana a true playmaking point guard who is built for the up-tempo game in Ford, Nesterovic’s big expiring contract, an athletic bench player in Baston, and a polished young center in Roy Hibbert. When considering the fact that they’re getting that entire package for a declining, overpaid big man in Jermaine O’Neal, that’s outstanding value.

As for Brandon Rush, he can fit in any system. He’s a Mr. Do-It-All that can shoot the ball, run the floor, defend the perimeter, play both wing positions, and has solid athletic ability. Rush is hands down one of the most complete players in this draft class, and still even has room to grow. Pairing him with Danny Granger out on the perimeter in the future would give Indiana an extremely versatile wing duo that can contribute on both ends of the floor.

Roy Hibbert may not be the most athletic player in the world, and his stock surely has taken a hit since he decided to pull out of the 2007 draft pool, but the fact of the matter is that this guy can play. He’s as fundamentally sound as any player in this draft, he’s got a high basketball IQ, he can block shots, he’s a great passer for a center, he’s got four years of experience at a top-notch program at Georgetown, and he is 7’2’’. “You can’t teach size” has become cliché, but this size has skill along with it.

Nabbing Jarrett Jack from Portland was also an excellent pickup, as Jack is indisputably one of the better backup guards in the entire league and is a great complement to T.J. Ford on account of his size. Josh McRoberts also has a chance to become a solid role player, as well. For a power forward, his athleticism is terrific, as is his vision.

Needless to say, the Indiana Pacers have finally taken steps in the right direction. They’ve finally began a rebuilding movement and they’re finally regaining hope. The best part about it? They aren’t finished dealing, friends. They’ve still got a baggage-filled point guard in Jamaal Tinsley to move. Stay tuned, but so far so good.

Grade: A-

The Indiana Pacers own the 11th and 41st overall picks in this month’s NBA Draft, and the organization has been undergoing the eventful pre-draft workout process. Pacers.com has provided fans with excellent coverage following each day of workouts, as they’ve put together a terrific Draft Central section consisting of player interviews, videos, and articles. Here’s a look at the action from Thursday and Friday’s strenuous sessions:

6/4: D.J. Augustin Interview

6/4: Stanley Burrell Interview

6:4: Jamar Butler Interview

6/4: Sasha Kaun Interview

6/4: Ty Lawson Interview

6/4: Aleks Maric Interview

6/4 Videos

6/5: Wayne Ellington Interview

6/5: Richard Hendrix Interview

6/5: Rob Kurz Interview

6/5: Courtney Lee Interview

6/5 Videos

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Posted By: Dustin Chapman