The Indiana Pacers are flying high. For the first time in 25 years, they are playing in the NBA Finals, and were threatening to take a 3-1 lead at one point during Game 4. With Tyrese Haliburton orchestrating the offense, Pascal Siakam bringing playoff grit, and Myles Turner anchoring the paint, this team feels destined.
Whether they win the Championship or not, several roster changes are on the horizon, including a potential departure of Turner, who is set to enter free agency, making the Pacers’ 23rd pick a valuable asset. However, three analysts are suggesting the Pacers may try to retain Turner and use their first-round pick on a long-term developmental prospect with a high ceiling.
Indiana Pacers Predicted To Invest 23rd Overall Pick in Illinois Forward
The latest 2025 NBA Mock Draft from USA Today’s Lorenzo Reyes, Jeff Zillgitt, and James Williams predicts the Pacers will select Illinois forward Will Riley with their first selection of the night.
“Great size (6-8¼ and 186 pounds) for a shooting guard who can make 3s and find open teammates,” the analysts argued. “Like many, looks for offensive rebounds. His shot is a work in progress, but the mechanics are there, and he improved as a shooter and scorer as the season progressed. He shot 37-for-72 (51.4%) from the field and averaged 16.3 points in the Illini’s final six games.”
Possessing an unorthodox skill set for a wing, Riley profiles as an excellent slash-and-kick player who can create off the dribble, both for himself and his teammates. He averaged 12.6 points per game for Illinois this past season, with a strong assist-to-turnover ratio for a wing (roughly 2-to-1).
While far from a finished product, NBA teams view Will Riley as a significant long-term talent. He is a 6’8 versatile scorer with shot-making prowess who shows impressive flashes creating shots for himself and others, with polished scoring instincts and creativity as a passer. https://t.co/4lbLJeoThU pic.twitter.com/TLjcyNCkrs
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 14, 2025
Riley is a streaky shooter whose overall numbers don’t appear particularly impressive (43.2% from the field, 32.6% from 3, and 72.4% from the free-throw line). Continuing to develop his game off the dribble will be key since his jumper isn’t reliable enough to be his only scoring method on offense.
The 19-year-old will also likely need to add more weight, as his lanky frame shows up on defense. Without the agility to stay in front of guards in space, Riley was sometimes overpowered by wing-sized players.
Nevertheless, there are flashes of shot-making and playmaking alike, and the Pacers can afford to let him groom for a significant time in the G League.
PFSN’s Projection For Pacers and Riley
PFSN’s Ian Cummings agreed with USA Today analysts that the Pacers can afford to select a developmental prospect with a high ceiling. However, in his version, the Pacers went with French forward Noa Essengue, who is the second youngest player in this draft after Cooper Flagg.
“Noa Essengue is still raw, but his physical traits are hard to ignore,” Cummings wrote. “At 6-foot-9 and 194 pounds, he brings length and bounce. His overall game needs refining, but signs of growth, like improved scoring, rebounding, steals, and shooting in 2024, make him an intriguing long-term pick.”
Meanwhile, Riley slipped two spots below to the Orlando Magic.
“The Magic add to their wing depth with Will Riley,” Cummings wrote. “At 6-foot-8 and under 190 pounds, he’ll need to bulk up to hold his own defensively. Offensively, he could use more discipline, but Riley is comfortable attacking tight windows and has strong off-ball instincts.”