2010: Paul George, SF, Indiana Pacers
Apr 5, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) leads a fast break against the Miami Heat at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats Miami 112-89. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
The best case scenario for Miami is if they hit on the 10th pick like the Pacers did with Paul George. George made a name for himself in playoff battles defending LeBron James and the Heat. He has the size and athleticism to go toe-to-toe with LeBron much in the way we recently saw Kawhi Leonard play him in last year’s NBA Finals.
The 2013 Most Improved Player, George made a big leap on offense in the 2013-14 season, averaging 21.7 points per game on 42.4 percent shooting and 36.4 percent from 3. He’s still learning how to be the focal point of an offense and get others involved (averages just 2.9 assists per game for his career) but all he needs is time.
If Miami could find a guy in the mold of George–a high-level defender and efficient shooter–who they can mold into a go-to option on offense, they would have hit the jack pot.