Houston’s Jarace Walker is a projected top-10 pick and currently ranked No. 7 on ESPN’s big board. Recently, Walker had his very first NBA workout with the Pacers who control the No. 7 overall pick.
However, that was only the beginning; Walker is also scheduled to have workouts with the Pistons (No. 5) and Jazz (No. 9). According to Fieldhouse Files, Walker, a strong, long-armed forward, is viewed as one of the best defenders in the draft and might be just what the Pacers need to fill their immediate need for a starting power forward who could help defensively.
When asked about his greatest asset, Walker said, “I think my biggest asset is my defense, just my versatility there. That’s what people focus on, but there’s so many other things [I can do] on the floor.” Walker cites Luquentz Dort and Jrue Holiday as two tough defenders he looks up to.
On Thursday, the Pacers welcomed Tyger Campbell (UCLA), Sidy Cissoko (G League Ignite), Markquis Nowell (Kansas State), Ben Sheppard (Belmont), Hunter Tyson (Clemson), and Jalen Wilson (Kansas) to participate in their workouts. Among them, Sheppard ranks highest at No. 37 on ESPN’s board.
Emoni Bates, Eastern Michigan wing, has reportedly worked out for nearly half of the league already. On Friday, Bates is scheduled to visit the Bucks. Bates currently sits at No. 51 on ESPN’s board.
While the Pistons ponder what to do with their No. 5 position, they are also looking at potential picks for the 31st spot in the draft as well. Omari Sankofa II of The Detroit Free Press examines six 3-and-D wings who might be available with the second-rounder, including Xavier’s Colby Jones (No. 28 on ESPN’s board), UCLA’s Jaime Jaquez (No. 30), and Pepperdine’s Maxwell Lewis (No. 32).
