The Indiana Pacers hold the No. 23 pick in the first round and No. 54 in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft. As expected, most of the attention is focused on their first-round selection.
Sitting at No. 23, the Pacers are predicted to land a player who can make an immediate impact—a versatile 6’9” forward who brings defensive disruption and floor-spacing upside. Saint Joseph’s standout Rasheer Fleming appears to be a strong fit in the seat, with credible mock drafts suggesting similar predictions.
Pacers Could Land 6’9” Forward Rasheer Fleming at No. 23
Many mock drafts predict that the Indiana Pacers will select Rasheer Fleming at No. 23 in the 2025 NBA Draft. Fleming is a 6’9” forward who has quietly gained attention as a sleeper pick. His all-around skills could help the Pacers right away.
Saint Joe’s Rasheer Fleming’s official measurements from the NBA Draft Combine:
6’8 ¼” barefoot, 232.4 lbs with a 7’5 ¼” wingspan and 9’1 ½” standing reach
Knew this already, but still impressive to see his terrific measurements confirmed. pic.twitter.com/2VI66EXjyP
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 12, 2025
Mock Draft analysts highlight his strengths, stating, “Rasheer Fleming brings a well-rounded skill set that could make him an immediate-impact role player for the Indiana Pacers. With his high motor, defensive versatility, and efficient offensive game, Fleming has quietly emerged as a sleeper favorite during the pre-draft process.”
With Myles Turner’s free agency looming, the Pacers are looking for frontcourt depth and defensive versatility, and Fleming fits that need perfectly. He has a high motor and plays tough defense.
Plus, the 6’9” forward can guard multiple positions, which fits well with Indiana’s need for defensive versatility. His quickness lets him switch between bigger forwards and smaller perimeter players. In fact, his defensive rating ranks in the 98th percentile among draft prospects.
Offensively, the versatile big man improved a lot this past season. He shot 39% from beyond the arc, showing he can stretch the floor. This makes him a threat both inside and out. While some worry about the level of competition in his conference, analysts agree his ability to finish plays and defend well makes him ready to contribute immediately.
The mock analyst wrote, “While the level of competition in the Atlantic 10 wasn’t elite, his ability to finish plays, stretch the floor, and defend at a high level makes him a strong candidate to contribute right away.”
Moreover, his 7’5” wingspan makes him an effective shot-blocker and rebounder, addressing Indiana’s need for rim protection and frontcourt stability. His high motor, defensive presence, and offensive efficiency align well with Indiana’s winning formula, making him a logical selection at No. 23.
While multiple mock drafts project him as a strong candidate for the Indiana Pacers, CSN has him landing with the Brooklyn Nets instead. Their latest mock draft states, ‘Fleming has risen greatly throughout the draft process and is now slated to be picked right around this range, where the Nets hold their second of four first-round picks.”
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Both the Pacers and Nets value defensive versatility and frontcourt depth, making the Saint Joseph’s standout a logical target for either team. It remains to be seen which team will select him in the first round.
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