The center of the NBA universe is just up I-65. The league is holding its annual draft combine and lottery in Chicago this week. While the lottery will get most of the attention, there is plenty of intrigue for Pacers fans happening at the combine. With a fistful of picks, the Pacers will be scouting players all over the draft board.

Combine Day 1 Standouts: Late First/Early Second Round Prospects

Marcus Sasser

One of the more productive players in the NCAA last year, Marcus Sasser showed up the combine ready to compete. At 6'2, he's a pesky point of attack defender and knockdown shooter. He projects to be an undersized 3-and-D point guard in the mold of Davion Mitchell. He'll be 23 years old by the time season starts and seems like a good bet to be able to contribute almost immediately.

Dillon Mitchell

At 6'7, 200 lbs, Dillon Mitchell was a top-5 HS recruit who did not live up to the hype at Texas this past year. Although he's a freak athlete, he simply didn't show enough skill to find a consistent role for the Longhorns. Nevertheless, he shot the lights out today in Chicago, which will undoubtedly make more than few GMs wonder if they can tap into the 19 year old's potential.

Jaime Jacquez

Jacquez was the headliner of the Pacers' first group workout. He fits the Pacers MO in many ways. He was a leader on a successful UCLA team, he does all the dirty work, and he played in the Pac-12 (seemingly Pritchard's favorite conference to draft from). The fact that he's testing well athletically will bolster his case when it comes time to decide what to do with our collection of late picks.

Leonard Miller

Leonard Miller spent a season in the G-League after withdrawing from last year's draft. At 6'10 with a 7'2 wingspan, he's an interesting forward prospect who can handle and pass as well as thrive as a roll man. One of his more glaring weaknesses is his 3-point shooting, only making 30% on the year. Despite that he finished among today's leaders in the 3-Point Star Shooting Drill, converting 60% of his attempts.

Andre Jackson Jr.

Jackson, another member of the Pacers' first workout, is known as a superior athlete and passer but a weak shooter. Predictably, he tested well athletically, finishing among the leaders in the 3/4 Court Sprint drill, Pro Lane drill (agility), and the Max Vertical Leap drill. Unexpectedly, however, he shot extremely well in the 3-Point Star Drill. His 64% shooting tied known sniper Gradey Dick for one of the top marks of the day.

Lottery Representatives

The representatives for the Draft Lottery, which will take place tomorrow at 8:00 PM EST, were officially announced today. On the stage, the Pacers will be represented by face-of-the-franchise Tyrese Haliburton. Meanwhile, President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard will serve as the team's drawing room proxy.

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