Jon Washburn: Absolutely. With the 11th pick, the Pacers got a top-five talent who also fit a specific need. The Pacers come away from the draft with a guy who could easily be described as the “best player available at the time, while also filling holes in the roster. I understand the love for Cameron Payne, but it’s unclear whether he will ever be better than George Hill — and he certainly wouldn’t have been an upgrade in year one.
It wasn’t a flashy pick — no “ohhs and ahhs” on this one — but given Larry Bird and Donnie Walsh’s track record with mid-first-round picks, I’m relatively hopeful.