NBA Rumors: The Plan Indiana Pacers Have if They Get the Number 1 Pick in the Draft

After disputing the seventh game of the NBA Finals last season, the Indiana Pacers are now in a completely different situation. The team is well below the 50% winning mark, and everything indicates that they are prioritizing the future with an eye on the 2026 NBA Draft, where they could try to secure the first pick. According to journalist Jake Fischer, several teams in the league believe that Indiana has a clear choice if they win the lottery: Cam Boozer, the power forward from Duke Blue Devils.

Based on this information, there is a feeling among rival franchises that Boozer would be Indiana's preferred option even if they have the first pick in the draft. The reason would be his potential fit alongside Pascal Siakam and the recently acquired Ivica Zubac. Duke's player profile, with good court vision and a high basketball IQ, would fit into the system sought by coach Rick Carlisle, reinforcing the idea that he might be the franchise's priority.

Before considering choosing first, Indiana needs to ensure they keep their first-round pick. As part of the Zubac trade, the team agreed to send their 2026 pick to the Los Angeles Clippers if it falls between the fifth and ninth positions. If the Pacers drop to fifth place in the lottery, the pick would go to Los Angeles. However, based on the current standings, the team is in a position to retain it as long as they are not surpassed by several rivals in the draft.

Other Strong Names in the Draft

Before the college tournament, the top names rumored for the number one spot were the point guard from Kansas Jayhawks, Darryn Peterson, and the forward from BYU Cougars, AJ Dybantsa. Nevertheless, Boozer's growth has altered the landscape. The son of former All-Star Carlos Boozer was selected to the Consensus All-American First Team and named Player of the Year by The Sporting News in his first college season, at just 18 years old.

The 2.06-meter power forward averaged 22.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, standing out with a 22-point and 12-rebound performance in the comeback against Siena. However, any decision will depend on Indiana winning the draft lottery. Even in that scenario, the pre-draft process could change the draft order of preferences.

Dybantsa is considered by many as the player with the highest potential in the generation, while Peterson could fit very well alongside Tyrese Haliburton, another key piece in the future of the Pacers. If Boozer is ultimately chosen first, teams with subsequent picks would likely be delighted to choose between Dybantsa or Peterson in one of the most anticipated generations in recent years.