Indiana Pacers Preparing For NBA Draft Via Workouts, Even Without Pick

BusinessSportsMoneyIndiana Pacers Preparing For NBA Draft Via Workouts, Even Without PickByTony East,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Tony East is an Indiana-based writer who covers the Pacers and Fever.Follow AuthorMay 31, 2026, 02:57pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 21: Aaron Holiday poses with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted 23rd overall by the Indiana Pacers during the 2018 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 21, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)Getty ImagesINDIANAPOLIS – As May approaches its conclusion, NBA teams are finalizing their pre-draft preparation ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft. For the Indiana Pacers, the last steps of that process are unique.That’s because the Pacers, thanks to a 2021 trade that sent away their 2026 second-round draft pick and a February move in which they dealt their 2026 first rounder, are one of just two teams (Portland Trail Blazers) that don’t have any selections in the 2026 draft. Indiana could have owned a selection inside the top four had the draft lottery gone a different way, but the franchise didn’t get lucky.Even without a pick, the Pacers want to learn more about any prospects that they can. There’s a chance they sign one as an undrafted free agent. Some of them could end up on their G League affiliate team. Others who end up in the NBA with other squads could be available in the future, and in that case more intel is better than less. And, of course, they could always trade for a pick in either round.With those benefits in mind, the Pacers are having prospects come work out in their practice facility ahead of the draft next month. So far, none of them have been highly touted – most project to be selected later in the second round at best. But the Pacers are doing their due diligence and getting in...