SBNation Mock Draft, Pick #11: Indiana Pacers

by Ridiculous Matt on Jun 18, 2008 1:22 AM EDT in NBA Draft 2008 Comment 5 comments

ith the eleventh pick in the 2008 SBNation NBA Mock Draft, the Indiana Pacers, represented by Indy Cornrows, select ...

DJ Augustin, Point Guard, University of Texas. 5-11, 175 lbs.

Indy Cornrows says:

The Pacers need to shore up their point guard situation so picking Augustin appears to be a no brainer. My only reservation was the additional need for a big body and DeAndre Jordan sitting there for the taking. So, do you take the big and explore dealing for excess PGs (see Memphis and Chicago for starters) around the league? Or, do you take the safe pick at the point in Augustin then let the offseason wheeling and dealing begin?

I just can't shake the feeling that Jordan tilts more towards Michael Olowokandi than Dwight Howard and the Pacers just can't miss with this pick. They don't need to add an All-Star level, franchise player from the #11 pick, but they do need a guy who plays hard, will work hard, and fits Jim O'Brien's system. Check, check and check with DJ Augustin. The guy is a true point guard with a great handle. He can push the pace and knock down the open jumper.

Augustin's size and his ability to defend at the NBA level are where the risk lies in this pick. But since there isn't a player left without some risk, I feel safe betting on Augustin's skill level and work ethic to compensate for his shortcomings and adapt his game to the NBA.

The Sacramento Kings, represented by Sactown Royalty , are on the clock.

The 2008 SB Nation Mock Draft so far:

1. Chicago Bulls- Blog-A-Bull: Derrick Rose

2. Miami Heat- Peninsula is Mightier: Michael Beasley

3. Minnesota Timberwolves- Canis Hoopus: OJ Mayo

4. Seattle Supersonics- Ridiculous Upside: Eric Gordon

5. Memphis Grizzlies- 3 Shades of Blue: Kevin Love

6. New York Knicks- Posting and Toasting: Russell Westbrook

7. Los Angeles Clippers- Clips Nation: Jerryd Bayless

8. Milwaukee Bucks- BrewHoop: Anthony Randolph

9. Charlotte Bobcats- Queen City Hoops: Joe Alexander

10. New Jersey Nets-Nets Daily: Brook Lopez

11. Indiana Pacers-Indy Cornrows: DJ Augustin

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Comments

Great Pick

Now if Larry Legend could only find a way to jettison Tinsley.

Might have a better chance of getting that camel through the eye of the needle.

by Truth About It on Jun 18, 2008 10:21 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I like seeing the different metrics and methods of evaluation that teams use, but sometimes simple ones are best, and simple ones saying the PGs below 6 feet just don’t pan out. I loved Augustin as a college player and thought he was pretty underrated, but I’d worry about his future.

http://paxarcana.wordpress.com

by fatherscott on Jun 18, 2008 10:44 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Ehh...

I think the difference of a couple inches a much less prevalent at the PG spot than a big.

Augustin is listed at 5’11.5” in shoes.

While these measurements from Basketball-Reference are not exact, I think they would significantly lessen your height argument.

Chris Paul – 6’0”
John Stockton – 6’1”
Mark Jackson – 6’1”
Isiah Thomas – 6’1”
Mo Cheeks – 6’1”
Kevin Johnson – 6’1”
Tim Hardaway – 6’0”

I’m willing to bet that the “official” measurement of most of these guys is not too much more than Augustin.

by Truth About It on Jun 18, 2008 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe so, but it’s one of those rules of thumb that has some legs. Believe me, I like Augustin, but he might turn out like other sub-6’ phenoms who just didn’t pan out (Telfair comes to mind)...

http://paxarcana.wordpress.com

by fatherscott on Jun 18, 2008 12:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I see your point

As Augustin’s strength is not raising eyebrows.

...But I think true PGs can get away with that deficiency a little bit more.

I would consider Telfair more of a scoring point.

Representing DC with Wizards & Stuff - Truth About It Dot Net

by Truth About It on Jun 18, 2008 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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SBNation Mock Draft, Pick #11: Indiana Pacers