The Indiana Pacers made the smart choice to trade the 23rd overall pick to the New Orleans Pelicans in this year's draft for their own pick back in 2026, allowing them to skip adding a guaranteed contract this summer.
However, the Pacers will still be busy on draft day. Not only are Bennedict Mathurin, Obi Toppin, and Jarace Walker all included in trade rumors, but they do have a second-round pick on Thursday.
According to Tankathon's final mock draft, the Pacers will select Michigan center Vladislav Goldin with the 54th pick.
Goldin averaged 16.6 points, seven rebounds, and 1.4 blocks in his fifth college season, his last with the Wolverines.
He is an old-school, physical player who addresses an area of need for Indiana. Barring the Pacers picking up Tony Bradley's $2.9 million option, Myles Turner will be the only center on the roster.
Goldin is a solid rebounder and paint scorer, although he is not flashy and doesn't space the floor. However, he is an NBA-ready player who could contribute to winning in a small role right away, similar to Luka Garza on the Minnesota Timberwolves, although Garza is on his second NBA team.
Goldin is a great screener who can roll to the basket, opening up opportunities for Andrew Nembhard and, more likely, backup point guard TJ McConnell.
Of course, Goldin is a second-round pick for a reason. He is not a playmaker and doesn't have the athleticism or speed to guard multiple positions. However, growing up in Russia, he was a wrestler, so a year learning from James Johnson, who is a free agent, might do him well as he becomes a retro enforcer in the NBA.