NBA Draft: Why Pacers Should Draft John Jenkins

The Indiana Pacers might want to take a closer look at Vanderbilt guard John Jenkins come draft day. Jenkins, who leads the SEC in scoring, is generally regarded as one of the premiere three point shooters in the nation. He was a great scorer in high school and that has translated quite well on the next level. He's one of three talented Vanderbilt players that are expected to be selected(the others are Jeffery Taylor and Festus Ezeli) after the 2012 season in the NBA draft.

What might be the most interesting angle about Jenkins going to the Pacers is that he might just be very reminiscent of one of the franchises all time greats. Jenkins, who can seemingly stroke the three point shot with ease, is a Reggie Miller type. Pacer fans who watch Vanderbilt games would probably make the comparisons quite quickly. Jenkins has a long way to go before he can have the career that Miller put up with the Pacers. Pacer fans, however, can't blame Jenkins for just being in college. His time will most likely come. What makes NBA scouts drool about Jenkins is his offensive game. His defense will need to adjust to the NBA level. His offense is already catered toward the pro level.

Whether he suits up for Indiana is going to be in question until draft day and even until the NBA season starts. Jenkins stock could soar with a great run in the NCAA tournament. Vanderbilt is a team that was projected as a top ten team earlier in the season. The Commodores haven't lived up to those expectations quite yet. They'll have a chance to atone for a sluggish early season start in the NCAA tournament. With a run to the Elite 8 or Final Four, Jenkins could slide up the draft board in a hurry. Jenkins is just a junior so there is a slight chance he could remain in school if his stock isn't as high as a first round pick. Chances are by draft day, Jenkins will be regarded as a late first rounder at worst. Jenkins averaged 19.5 ppg last season while shooting nearly 41 percent from three point land.

Does that mean Jenkins could be drafted well before the Pacers have the opportunity to take him? Probably not. He isn't considered the most athletic player on the board. With guards like Jeremy Lamb, Brad Beal, Terrence Ross and Doron Lamb as possibilities, Jenkins could clearly get overlooked in the shuffle. What might happen though is that Jenkins could provide an NBA team with an incredible steal. NBA teams aren't probably going to trade up to get the Vandy junior. However, there's always a chance a team with a solid roster could see Jenkins as a perfect addition as immediate offense off the bench.

The Pacers have been known for making intelligent draft day selections throughout the years. Roy Hibbert was a no brainer recently out of Georgetown. Why does Jenkins fit the Pacers so well? He plays and shoots like Reggie Miller. There is little doubt that Jenkins will be able to make the transition to the three point range in the NBA. Jenkins even credited watching Reggie Miller in an article in SEC Nation Blue Ribbon several years ago. "I've seen on film how guys like Rip Hamilton, Ray Allen, Reggie Miller move without the ball," Jenkins told the magazine. "Those guys never rest. So I've focused on getting in the best shape of my life so I can keep moving out there."

Perhaps the Pacers will see the inevitable comparisons come draft day.



John Jenkins Stats, ESPN
One on One With Chris Dortch: Vandy's John Jenkins, SEC Nation