Four draft prospects showcase talents for Pacers

June 9, 8:30 PMIndiana Pacers ExaminerSean Stevenson

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Four players with aspirations to play in the NBA visited Indianapolis on Tuesday as they showcased their talents in front of Indiana Pacers scouts and team executives.

The players competed in drills and simulated games as scouts continue to search for players who can fill Pacers needs in the June 25 draft. Indiana holds the No. 13 and No. 52 picks.

Of the four players, only James Johnson is considered a first-round prospect. Johnson, who is a 6-foot-8 sophomore out of Wake Forrest, told Pacers.com that he could be a good compliment to Pacers star Danny Granger if the team selects him. “Granger is a great player,” said Johnson, who averaged 15 points and eight rebounds last season. “I think he can help my game out a little bit and take it to the next level.”

Although Johnson just completed his sophomore year, he is already 22 years old. Collegehoops.net wrote the following about the forward:

No doubt James Johnson has a future in the NBA. His combination of skills and size are rare, but the fact that he is already 22 years old and hasn’t shown great improvements over his two years in college are red flags. (He is) very athletic, strong and tough…and able to take his man off the dribble. However, he needs to work on his post moves.”

Mock drafts have Johnson scattered across the board, ranging from being selected 11th to 21st. Out of 15 mock drafts, none of them have the Pacers selecting Johnson. Indiana isn’t expected to use its first-round pick on a small forward.

The other three players who visited the Pacers on Tuesday were Notre Dame’s Luke Zeller, Wisconsin’s Marcus Landry and Clemson’s K.C. Rivers. All three players are fighting for late-2nd round spots.