Pacers: Meet the 2023 Nba Draft Class

How did the Indiana Pacers fare in the 2023 NBA Draft?

The Pacers entered the draft with the need to add a starting power forward to pair with center Myles Turner in the frontcourt. Turner signed a two-year, $60 million contract extension in January, locking down the former No. 11 pick in the 2015 NBA Draft until 2025. Forwards Jalen Smith and Isaiah Jackson will be under contract for Indiana next season, according to sports contract and salary website Spotrac.

The Pacers traded the No. 7 pick to the Washington Wizards for the No. 8 pick and two second-round selections. They would take Houston forward Jarace Walker before moving on to select Belmont guard Ben Sheppard, G League Ignite guard Mojave King and Miami guard Isaiah Wong.

Who did the Pacers take with their selections in Thursday's draft?

Round 1, No. 8: Jarace Walker, Houston

Walker, a 6-foot-8-inch forward from New Freedom, Pa., was a former 5-star recruit from the 2022 recruiting class. He chose Houston over offers from Alabama, Auburn, Ohio State, LSU, UConn, Florida State, Georgia, Howard, Michigan, Nebraska and Syracuse, among others, according to 247Sports.

Walker scored 11.2 points, grabbed 6.8 rebounds and blocked 1.3 shots per game during his lone season with the Cougars. He had a 16-point, 11-rebound, five-assist and four-block performance when Houston fell to the Miami Hurricanes in March Madness, grabbing three offensive rebounds as the Hurricanes earned an 89-75 victory in the Sweet 16.

Walker worked out for the Pacers earlier this month, showcasing his talent on offense and defense before sitting down for a one-on-one interview.

“My playmaking, offensive rebounding and just good shot creation.” Walker said when asked what strengths on offense would translate best to the next level, via The Pacers. “Getting a shot for myself, and creating for myself and others.”

Round 1, No. 26: Ben Sheppard, Belmont

Sheppard, a four-year veteran at Belmont, earned averages of 18.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists during his final season with the Bruins. He saw his percentages from the 3-point line increased during every one of his seasons with Belmont, peaking at the 41.5% he shot last year.

Sheppard took second place in the Missouri Valley Conference with 18.8 points per game, taking one spot behind Valparaiso guard Ben Krikke. His shooting and overall versatility can make him a solid fit for the Pacers.

“He's kind of a little off the radar maybe to some people, but he's a player that's got better and better with each year at Belmont,” Pacers general manager Chad Buchanan said, via NBA.com. “A guy that just moves without the ball, knows how to play without the ball, is a high-level shooter.”

Sheppard took pride in his versatility when he sat down with the Pacers for a one-on-one interview of his own.

“Super versatile,” Sheppard said when asked how he would describe his game. “Both on the defensive and offensive side. I feel I can do a lot. Most people know me as a shooter, a 3-and-D-type guy. But I think I’m more than that. I can pass the ball too, rebound, stuff like that.”