Strategic Evaluation
The Indiana Pacers are opening their doors to a handful of draft prospects this week, using the sessions as a laboratory for evaluating talent that could soon help reshape the roster.
Among those invited is Peter Suder, a Carmel native who earned All‑Star honors in Indiana before starring at Miami (Ohio), where he helped the RedHawks to a 32‑2 record in the 2025‑26 season and posted averages of 14.8 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.0 assists.
Also on the court is Tucker DeVries, the son of Indiana coach Darian DeVries, who spent a season with the Hoosiers after stints at Drake, West Virginia and Indiana, and who was recognized as the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year twice.
The workouts also feature other notable names such as Nimari Burnett, Sam Hoiberg, Emanuel Sharp and Seth Trimble, giving the Pacers a broad sample of potential undrafted free agents and trade assets.
Coach Darian DeVries and senior basketball operations staff are using the data to gauge fit within the team's system, with an eye toward leveraging the evaluations in upcoming trade discussions or in signing players who could contribute immediately.
While the Pacers do not hold a pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, the pre‑draft camp underscores the franchise's proactive approach, turning the absence of a selection into an opportunity to scout and potentially acquire talent through alternative pathways.