2023 Mock Draft 2.0: Spurs roll the dice, Hornets win Wembanyama sweepstakes

The Indiana Pacers are once again (for the final time) up at the podium in the 1st round of the draft, and with the 29th overall pick, they swing big on Alabama freshman Noah Clowney. Clowney was another name not featured in our first mock draft, primarily because he still has such a raw offensive game. But the Pacers may not have the luxury of being able to take big swings for much longer before they find themselves having to fill their roster with proven role players to complement their core.

Outside of Myles Turner, the Pacers don’t have too much length on their roster and Isaiah Jackson hasn’t made quite enough noise to sway the team away from drafting more help in the frontcourt. Clowney projects as more of a true center compared to Jackson, who’s a bit on the small side, looks to have a far more developed jump shot, and is likely the more versatile defender. 

Clowney will have to continue developing as an athlete, building some sort of in-between game, and confidently letting the ball fly from three if he’s to reach his ceiling, but if all goes well in his development, he could look like a big steal later on.