Depth has been one of the Indiana Pacers’ biggest strengths amid their surprise 2025 NBA Finals run, as they often go 10 or 11 players deep. Nevertheless, their backup center position remains an area for improvement, with two fringe role players offering limited production.
PFSN’s Ian Cummings believes the Pacers could address the issue with their No. 23 2025 NBA Draft pick by selecting an “old-school” big man from the Big East Conference.
Why Thomas Sorber Is the Pacers’ Projected Pick at No. 23
In PFSN’s latest two-round mock draft, Cummings anticipated Indiana drafting Georgetown freshman center Thomas Sorber at No. 23. Sorber is characterized as a tough, physical throwback big man with soft touch in the post, passing vision and strong interior defense.
According to Cummings, the 19-year-old’s traditional two-way skill set could make him an immediate depth piece for a Pacers team facing uncertainty at the five spot.
“Odds are, the Indiana Pacers bring back Myles Turner, but even then, all three of their centers in the rotation are up for new contracts,” Cummings wrote. “Thomas Sorber can solidify their depth and grow into a contributor later on.
“At 6’10”, 255 pounds, Sorber is a smart, physical, old-school post presence with age-defying passing instincts, feel and near-elite defensive chops.”
One of the big winners from the NBA Draft Combine is Thomas Sorber.
Measuring in at over 6’10” in shoes with a 7’6” wingspan, Sorber is viewed as a potential lottery pick.
The 19-year-old averaged 14.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.5 stocks at Georgetown.pic.twitter.com/w4zjzzcPRv
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) May 15, 2025
However, Sorber may need to expand his shooting range to elevate beyond a supporting role, as he shot just 16.2% from 3-point range on 1.5 attempts per game. He could also refine his perimeter defense, as he lacks the quickness to match up against outside threats.
In 24 outings at Georgetown, Sorber averaged 14.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.5 steals and 2.0 blocks per game, shooting 53.2%.
Myles Turner has long been a solid stretch five for Indiana, feeding off star point guard Tyrese Haliburton’s playmaking. However, with the 10-year veteran’s two-year, $40.9 million contract set to expire, he will enter unrestricted free agency this offseason.
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the Pacers are “hoping to be able to keep Turner without sacrificing their outstanding depth.” Even so, apart from Turner, veteran journeymen Thomas Bryant and Tony Bradley have been grappling for reserve minutes at the five, with neither being a reliable option. Meanwhile, backup center Isaiah Jackson’s future is uncertain as he recovers from a season-ending torn right Achilles.
As such, Indiana investing its first-round pick in a high-upside center prospect who could be an instant-impact rotation player would be a wise decision.
Sorber’s NBA Comparisons and Fit With Pacers
Sorber’s old-fashioned play style has garnered comparisons to big men like Jonas Valančiūnas and Jusuf Nurkić. Onyeka Okongwu is another popular comparison as a shorter center with low-post skills who has developed a 3-point shot.
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If Sorber lands with Indiana, he could be a valuable bench contributor for the Eastern Conference champions, providing inside scoring and rim protection. His passing ability would also likely help him fit into the team’s fast-paced offense.
If the All-Big East third-team selectee adds a consistent long-range shot, he could be the Pacers’ center of the future.
