The Indiana Pacers have had the worst possible season after making the NBA Finals last season. Injuries derailed any shot they had of making the playoffs this year. Instead, they ended up with the second-worst record in the league.
This clearly ended up being a gap year without Tyrese Haliburton. He missed the entire season after tearing his Achilles tendon in Game 7 of the Finals last year against the Thunder. Without him. Indiana had the third-worst offense in the league. Now, they are set up for a top draft pick.
The Pacers are tied for the best odds to land the number one pick. They have now announced who will represent the team at the draft lottery, and it’s fan-favorite T.J. McConnell.
GettyIndiana Pacers point guard T.J. McConnell shoots the ball in a game against the Thunder. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
Pacers Will Have T.J. McConnell Representing Them at the Draft Lottery
McConnell will be there when the Pacers officially learn their fate. The decision was announced by the team on social media.
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Not only is Indiana hoping to have the top pick in the draft, but they are hoping to keep their pick. They traded their 2026 first-round pick to the Los Angeles Clippers as part of a package to bring in Ivica Zubac. However, the Clippers only get it if it falls in the 5-9 range.
This pick cannot fall further than sixth, and Indiana has a 52.1 percent chance to keep their pick. It is certainly a big gamble they rolled the dice with, as they also traded their first-round pick next year, as well. With this being a generational draft, it could be a big issue if Indiana doesn’t keep the pick.
The draft lottery will be on Sunday May 10th at 3 pm Eastern on ESPN. That is when Indiana will learn if they have a chance to land a generational player or if they need to do some work in free agency.
GettyIndiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell drives the ball in a game against the Thunder. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
The 2026 NBA Draft Could Change Everything for the Pacers
It’s not a stretch to say that the 2026 NBA Draft could be the most consequential draft in team history. Indiana has never had the number-one overall pick. The last time they had the second pick was back in 1988 when they took Rik Smits.
Landing the top pick would give the Pacers their pick of A.J. Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, or Cameron Boozer. Those are likely the three guys they would be choosing from. Dybantsa makes the most sense for their team needs, as he can slot into the backup wing spot and eventually take over for Aaron Nesmith.
If the Pacers do not keep their pick, they might not be true title contenders next season. They have to find a new backup wing after trading Bennedict Mathurin. They need someone who can create their own shot and score in the half-court, which is what Mathurin excelled at.
Pacers Announce Who Will Represent the Team at the Draft Lottery