Top Draft Prospects Mocked to Pacers

Indiana has a chance to land a top-4 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, a class loaded with elite talent

Mar. 13, 2026 at 10:35pm

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The Indiana Pacers are hopeful to retain their first-round draft pick this season, as the top of the 2026 draft class is considered one of the best the NBA has seen in years. Draft experts have mocked several top prospects to the Pacers, including AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, and Caleb Wilson.

Why it matters

The Pacers have a roster that could benefit from adding a high-level talent through the draft. Each of the top prospects mocked to Indiana would provide a different skill set and fit, giving the team flexibility to address their needs while adding a potential star.

The details

AJ Dybantsa is a 6'9" wing with elite athleticism and two-way potential. Darryn Peterson is a 6'6" guard with Ray Allen and Kobe Bryant-like abilities. Cameron Boozer is the most NBA-ready of the group, with a high floor as a two-way forward. Caleb Wilson is an intriguing two-way prospect with a high motor and room for growth.

  • The 2026 NBA Draft is scheduled for June.
  • The Pacers will learn their draft position in the NBA Draft Lottery in May.

The players

AJ Dybantsa

A 6'9" forward with elite athleticism, two-way potential, and the archetype most in demand around the NBA right now.

Darryn Peterson

A 6'6" guard who is incredibly polished and has drawn pre-draft comparisons to Ray Allen and Kobe Bryant.

Cameron Boozer

The most NBA-ready prospect in the top 4, with a high floor and solid ceiling as a two-way forward.

Caleb Wilson

A two-way forward with a high motor, strong rebounding ability, and room for growth as an all-around scorer.

Tyrese Haliburton

The Pacers' current starting point guard, who would form an intriguing backcourt pairing with Darryn Peterson.

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What they’re saying

“Peterson still has a real chance to go number one, with his overlap of shot-making, creation, and on/off ball versatility, along with backcourt size and length. But while Dybantsa's game has ascended this year, questions about Peterson's durability and availability have snowballed. In Indiana, he'd join a contender from day one and be able to pair with Tyrese Haliburton in the backcourt.”

— Adam Finkelstein, CBS Sports

“The reality is that few players consistently play with the type of motor and aggressiveness as Wilson does. If you believer his shooting can improve, he has a lot of simialrities to Pascal Siakam.”

— Sam Vecenie, The Athletic

“He's maybe the best athlete in the draft as a 6'9" wing player, the archetype most in demand around the NBA right now. What has impressed most is the way Dybantsa can get downhill, create space and hit tough shots when needed.”

— Kurt Helin

What’s next

The Pacers will learn their draft position in the NBA Draft Lottery in May, which will determine which of the top prospects they have a chance to select in the 2026 NBA Draft in June.

The takeaway

The Pacers have a chance to add a franchise-altering talent in the 2026 NBA Draft, with several elite prospects projected to be available in the top 4 picks. Whichever player they end up selecting, the Pacers will be getting a high-upside prospect who can help accelerate their path back to contention.