As the NBA draft craze hits its peak, former Pacers guard Jeff Teague has shared a rather shocking suggestion that Indiana could use as a part of its drafting strategy.

Teague, during an episode of his Club 520 Podcast, opined that Cameron Boozer would be a better fit for the team over AJ Dybantsa.

“Tyrese Haliburton is your star, AJ Dybantsa come, he’s not your star no more," Teague said. Even though he’ll be a perennial All-Star, Tyrese Haliburton is really a good player. Cam Boozer fit the mode of like blending in with our star.” 

The Pacers currently hold a top-6 protected first-round pick from the Clippers that allows them to have a premium selection, and Teague's take stems from his belief that the Pacers struggle to manage “outgoing big personalities” in the locker room.

Hence, the suggestion that the franchise avoid flashy players who might potentially overshadow the main star, affecting the team's chemistry. 

Cameron Boozer May Be a Better Fit, But Is It Enough?

Cameron Boozer definitely has the stats to back up his top-5 draft projection, as he has performed really well in his freshman season. Averaging 22.8 points, 4.2 assists, and 10.3 rebounds per match, Boozer also earned the Rookie of the Year and ACC Player of the Year titles. 

However, passing on AJ Dybantsa is a huge ask, as he led the BYU with 25.5 points, 3.7 assists, and 6.8 rebounds per game. These stats are the reasons why he is expected to be the No.1 overall pick in the draft. 

Given that the Pacers are in a spot to advance into the offseason, they have the advantage of a protected lottery pick and higher chances to draft near the very top of the board.

That being said, whoever they choose will most probably reshape the team’s trajectory and define their talent pool for the coming decade. 

Do you agree that the Pacers should opt for Boozer over AJ Dybantsa? Let us know!

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Written by

Utsav Sinha

Edited by

Arvind Rao