2018 NBA Mock Draft 3.0

FORT WORTH, TX - DECEMBER 30: Oklahoma Sooners guard Trae Young (#11) dribbles the ball during the Big 12 college basketball game between the TCU Horned Frogs and the Oklahoma Sooners on December 30, 2017, at the Ed & Rae Schollmaier Arena in Fort Worth, TX. Oklahoma won the game 90-89. (Photo by Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images).
FORT WORTH, TX - DECEMBER 30: Oklahoma Sooners guard Trae Young (#11) dribbles the ball during the Big 12 college basketball game between the TCU Horned Frogs and the Oklahoma Sooners on December 30, 2017, at the Ed & Rae Schollmaier Arena in Fort Worth, TX. Oklahoma won the game 90-89. (Photo by Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images).
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(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Gilgeous-Alexander has exploded in recent weeks, quickly becoming Kentucky’s most dynamic two-way threat. He’s 6-foot-5 with long arms, giving him a solid defensive profile. He’s also adding more to his game offensively, finishing with craft around the rim and knocking down shots consistently from deep.

The Pacers already have some solid guard play with Victor Oladipo and Darren Collison, but the latter isn’t a long-term solution. SGA gives the Pacers a high-level defender who can play both on and off the ball, giving them options whenever Oladipo is in the game.

In December and January, SGA is averaging 13.5 points and 4.4 assists per game while shooting 47.1 percent from beyond the arc. If he’s able to sustain and build upon that production, he should be a steady riser all summer.