#1 Corey Kispert – Forward – Gonzaga
Corey Kispert is the highest rated senior in this year’s draft class and for good reason. THe 22 year-old wing is arguably one of the most NBA-ready shooters in this draft and is the epitome of a “3-and-D” type of guy.
This past year at Gonzaga, he was one of their leaders that took them all the way to the National Championship game, averaging 18.6 points, 5.0 rebounds and shooting 44% from three-point range. At the NBA-level, he is the type of guy that teams will look to for instant production off the bench from the perimeter.
Guys like Joe Harris and Danny Green are great comparisons for Corey Kispert not only because of the ability to shoot threes, but because of his ability to make a difference defensively as well. His 6’7”, 224 lbs build allows him to guard virtually any player out on the perimeter, which is why he is the best option for the Indiana Pacers with their 13th pick.
Doug McDermott is a versatile forward who is a free agent this offseason and regardless of whether or not they are able to bring him back, the Pacers will still need some shooting help. They shot 36.4% from deep as a team this past year, which is not terrible, but ranked them 17th and “middle-of-the-pack” in the league.
In his rookie season, there is no reason why Kispert cannot be a guy that averages between 9-11 points per game, 3-4 rebounds per game and shoots upwards of 40% from deep. He may not be a facilitator or playmaker that is going to wow the fans with his insane athleticism, but you know what you are getting drafting Corey Kiseprt and that is three-point shooting.
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The Pacers already have guys like Brogdon, Warren and LeVert, all of which create plays for themselves and others, which is why all this team needs is more shooting. They can literally stick Kispert in the corner or on the wing and use him as a catch-and-shoot weapon that teams will have no answers for because they are trying to contain the stars on Indiana.
There is no better fit in this draft for Corey Kispert than the Indiana Pacers and they would be foolish to pass up on him if he is available 13th overall. This is a team that needs shooters and a guy they can turn to for instant offense off-the-bench. Kispert is this type of guy and is probably the most reliable shooter in this year’s draft class in terms of knowing what you are getting with him.
