FRESH OFF an exciting appearance in the NBA Finals, the Indiana Pacers had just the one pick at the 2025 NBA Draft, looking to find a bargain as they enter their championship window despite having a tougher year ahead.

The Pacers stunned everyone with one of the most memorable playoff runs in recent history, defeating some heavyweight sides in the Milwaukee Bucks, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks, but unfortunately fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder in a thrilling seven-game series.

Now, with star point guard Tyrese Haliburton set to spend the season on the sidelines with an Achilles injury that was sustained in game seven of the Finals combined with the departure of center Myles Turner, it may be a bit tougher for Indiana for the next 12 months, but the ability to add another youngster at the draft is a positive nonetheless.

Indiana Pacers

Drafted Players

Taelon Peter (pick 54)

The Pacers had just the one pick at the 2025 NBA Draft, having traded away their first round selection in order to build a championship-contending roster. Indiana had to make its pick count, and acquired one of the biggest bolters in the draft class.

The Pacers used their selection to pick Peter, who has enjoyed one of the more remarkable rises of anyone in the crop. After starting his career at Tennessee Tech, he did not get many minutes, and made the rare decision to transfer down to Division 2. He rejoined his old school but again was not given the starting role.

However, he joined the 2025 NBA Draft class anyway, viewed as a long shot to be selected given his lack of playing time throughout his NCAA career. However, he worked out with seven teams, and was eventually picked up by the Pacers.

A sharpshooting guard, Peter is extremely dangerous inside the arc, proving remarkably efficient when scoring from two-point territory. However, he is more than capable of scoring from long range, shooting 45 per cent in his most recent outing with Tennessee Tech.

A multisport athlete, Peter is a state high jump champion as well, and his excellent vertical leap can be on display on the basketball court at times. He could develop into a key scoring piece off the bench for the Pacers, potentially having an impact with the secondary unit following the eventual retirement of T.J. McConnell, who could prove a valuable mentor.