Indiana’s front office has made a habit of reaching the top of the second round of the NBA Draft. Over the past five years the Pacers have either selected a player with a pick in the 31-39 range or traded that pick for assets that improve the roster. This season the team entered the offseason without a second-rounder, but the pattern suggests the organization will actively look to acquire a pick in that segment of the draft.

Emanuel Sharp is a physical defender with an elite shooting touch who thrived in Kelvin Sampson’s system at Houston. In his career-best season he averaged 15.5 points per game while shooting 37.2 % from three-point range. Sharp earned First-Team All-Big 12 honors, made the conference All-Defensive Team, and was named the 2025 Big 12 tournament MVP. Scouts note his disciplined footwork, strong body control and a quick release that make him a threat both on the perimeter and when finishing at the rim.

Duke’s forward known as “Slim” Evans offers a different skill set. He shot 41 % from three in his freshman year and, after doubling his volume in his sophomore season, still maintained a respectable 36 % conversion rate. While his frame could benefit from added muscle, his ability to space the floor with a catch-and-shoot style is evident and would provide an immediate boost to three-point volume.

For a Pacers roster built around switch-heavy defensive schemes, Sharp’s blend of size, footwork and defensive instincts aligns with the need for a versatile wing who can guard multiple positions and keep the floor spaced. Evans, on the other hand, would add a reliable perimeter threat that could complement an interior-focused attack, provided he develops the strength to handle the NBA’s physicality.

The Pacers’ willingness to move assets for a second-round selection positions them to add a player who can contribute right away. Whether the club opts for Sharp’s defensive versatility or Evans’s shooting specialization, the choice will address a clear need for depth on the wing and could accelerate Indiana’s push toward playoff relevance.