With the No. 15 pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, the Indiana Pacers selected San Diego State forward Kawhi Leonard.
2011 NBA Draft Results: Kawhi Leonard Drafted By Pacers With No. 15 Pick
Leonard, 6’7 with a long reach and massive hands, figures to bounce between the forward positions, though his height might dictate his role as a small forward in the early going. The problem there is his lack of range -- he shot 29 percent on three-pointers for the Aztecs in 2010-11 -- and ball skills. He allayed many concerns about his offense during workout sessions, drawing positive remarks.
Whether that will hold up against NBA competition is a real question mark. Defensively, his length and quickness indicate good things, but the strength of NBA forwards -- think LeBron James, Shawn Marion and Carmelo Anthony -- will test him on many nights.
For more on the Pacers, visit SB Nation’s Indiana blog, Indy Cornrows.
The 2011 NBA Draft rolls on through Thursday night. Stay with this StoryStream for all of the 2011 NBA Draft results, check out our 2011 NBA Draft rumors and trades StoryStream for all the latest news from the NBA’s craziest day, and hit our 2011 NBA Draft hub for full coverage of the draft, trades and the aftermath on Friday.
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