/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46585860/usa-today-8426576.0.jpg)
NBA Mock Draft Pick #11 -- Cameron Payne, Guard, Murray State
SB Nation's Pacers blog, Indy Cornrows explains the pick:
With the 11th pick, the Indiana Pacers select point guard, Cameron Payne out of Murray State.
Larry Bird has mentioned speeding up the Pacers style of play but that won't be a full-time conversion next season, so despite the need for a versatile big man, Cameron Payne fills a desperate need for backcourt depth. Even better, that depth will be on a rookie contract while developing into a bigger role in the future.
C.J. Watson will not return and even if Donald Sloan does, Payne gives the Pacers a young guard who can score and despite his thin 6'2 frame, has a wingspan in excess of 6'7 which Frank Vogel covets on the defensive end. Payne can break into the playing rotation as an additional offensive threat off the bench, especially if Rodney Stuckey returns, as expected.
Payne left Murray State after his sophomore season when he averaged 20 points, six assists and and nearly four rebounds per game. Bird rarely drafts on the side of upside, but hopefully the success of his last attempt (Paul George) will let the Pacers fill a few different needs in the backcourt with one pick.
1) Minnesota Timberwolves: KARL-ANTHONY TOWNS
2) Los Angeles Lakers: JAHLIL OKAFOR
3) Phoenix Suns (via Philadelphia 76ers): D'ANGELO RUSSELL
4) New York Knicks: JUSTISE WINSLOW
5) Orlando Magic: WILLIE CAULEY-STEIN
6) Philadelphia 76ers (via Sacramento Kings): MARIO HEZONJA
7) Denver Nuggets: EMMANUEL MUDIAY
8) Boston Celtics (via Detroit Pistons): KRISTAPS PRIZINGIS
9) Utah Jazz (via Charlotte Hornets): MYLES TURNER
10) Philadelphia 76ers (via Miami Heat): STANLEY JOHNSON
11) Indiana Pacers: CAMERON PAYNE
12) Utah Jazz
13) Phoenix Suns
15) Atlanta Hawks
16) Boston Celtics
17) Milwaukee Bucks
18) Houston Rockets
20) Toronto Raptors
21) Dallas Mavericks
22) Chicago Bulls
27) Los Angeles Lakers
28) Boston Celtics
29) Brooklyn Nets
15) Atlanta Hawks
16) Boston Celtics
17) Milwaukee Bucks
18) Houston Rockets
20) Toronto Raptors
21) Dallas Mavericks
22) Chicago Bulls
27) Los Angeles Lakers
28) Boston Celtics
29) Brooklyn Nets