Indiana Pacers GM Chad Buchanan believes that the organization knew Jarace Walker was going to be their 2023 lottery pick following his competitive solo workout with player development coach Jannero Pargo.
(via Indiana Pacers):
Reporter: “Chad, was there a specific moment where you felt like you knew Jarace was the guy that you wanted in the top ten?”
Buchanan: “I think going into this season, we watched Jarace as a high schooler and were really intrigued. Just as we looked at our roster moving forward, we knew the power forward position was something we’ve been trying to fill for a couple years. So you’re always looking at the next crop of candidates for that, and really started to see some things at the high school level that got us intrigued. And then watching him throughout the year at Houston, coming from a program where it’s built on toughness and grit and guys playing the right way, which is how we kinda reflect how we want to play as well.
“And I think getting to know him through the draft process, interviewing him, what he looks like and how he plays and his personality, they don’t always match up because he looks like he’s this big, rugged tough guy on the court, which is what we want, but he is an outstanding young man, very personable, fun to be around, and I know he’s gonna fit with our team well. I think the sealer was the workout for us. He came in here, solo workout. We had Jannero Pargo out there just battling with him in a 1-on-1 situation, and I’m sure Jarace wanted to punch him by the end of the workout. But you saw his competitive juices come out and I think at that point, we were like, ‘This is our guy! This is our guy!’ Thrilled to get him.”
