Draft season is underway and the Pacers are looking for their next late pick to come in and contribute right away. With Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam maximum contracts on the horizon – not to mention the extensions and new contacts necessary to keep the core together – getting value from rookie contracts will be more important than ever.

The Pacers first workout was a mix of forwards and guards, most of them boasting physical, competitive profiles.

Dillon Jones

The big name was Dillon Jones from Weber State. Jones was a do-it-all forward for the Wildcats. He basically averaged 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists this past year. He's comfortable operating with the ball in his hands. The big question is how will that translate to the NBA where he'll be a role player instead of his team's hub.

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Blake Hinson

Another forward to keep an eye on is Blake Hinson. At 6'8, 230 lbs, his 4.4 rebounds per game leave a lot to be desired. However, his 42% three point shooting on 8 attempts per game jumps off the stat sheet. We know the Pacers like to space the floor and Hinson has the tools to do exactly that.

Jamal Shead

Shead's stats don't scream NBA player necessarily. Still the Senior from Houston is a defensive menace who's had four years under Kelvin Sampson's tutelage. He had his best offensive year as the lead guard in '23-'24, posting 13 points and 6 assist averages. The combination was enough to win him Big 12 POY and DPOY.

The Pacers are surely familiar with his doggedness after scouting his former teammate Jarace Walker during last year's draft process. Walker, for his part, came out to support Shead during Friday's workout.

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