IT ALL seems to be falling into place for the Indiana Pacers in the 2024/25 season, about to embark on their first NBA Finals appearance since 2000 after flying through the Eastern Conference in convincing fashion.

Behind star point guard Tyrese Haliburton and renowned playoff riser Pascal Siakam, the Pacers stunned the NBA world when they upset one of the title favourites in the Cleveland Cavaliers, handing the Eastern Conference champions a gentleman’s sweep, before defeating the New York Knicks in six games to reach the NBA Finals.

Now they come up against the Oklahoma City Thunder, who have been the best team in the NBA throughout the entire season with 68 wins to their name. It is shaping as an exciting matchup between the two best teams in the NBA since January 1.

Regardless of how they perform in the Finals over the next couple of weeks, the Pacers are well-placed for the future, and will be able to add to their young core with a first round selection at the 2025 NBA Draft next month.

Indiana Pacers

Draft Selections

23, 54

Contracted Players

Pascal Siakam, Tyrese Haliburton, Obi Toppin, Aaron Nesmith, T.J. McConnell, Benedict Mathurin (team option), Jarace Walker (team option), Ben Sheppard (team option), Andrew Nembhard, Johnny Furphy, Tony Bradley (team option)

The Pacers will select in the first round for the first time in years after trading away their top pick last year in order to acquire Siakam. Now loaded with the 23rd pick in the draft, Indiana will be able to add to its young core of stars.

The Pacers do not have too many holes on their roster as it stands, with the only looming question surrounding big man Myles Turner, who seems likely to re-sign given the team’s success but has not committed as yet.

If he does leave and the team is in need of a center in the coming years, there will be likely some still on the board at pick 23. One option could be Joan Beringer, who would fill the void left on the defensive end by the team’s paint protector in Turner.

The Frenchman stands an impressive six-foot-11 and can block shots with the best of them, using timing and wingspan to swat attempts from the paint whenever they come his way. Although not the most impactful performer on the offensive end, his defence, mobility and overall athletic profile justify first round selection.

Another potential big man to be on the board could be Maxime Raynaud, who boasts an enormous listed height of seven-foot-one. Fresh off an impressive stint at Stanford, he could even operate as a backup big man if Turner does decide to stay.

Boasting the capability to play both frontcourt positions, Raynaud has become a versatile player, showing a solid handle, reliability on the perimeter and impressive passing, and would be an excellent addition to the Pacers.

If Indiana looks to upgrade its wing stocks instead, Nique Clifford may be a solid choice with its first round selection. He has the skillset that allows him to slot into just about any lineup, with solid defence combining with a high IQ and consistent perimeter shooting. For a team like the Pacers that will not be looking to upset the apple cart too much, Clifford could be the right option.