Pacers select Chris Duarte 13th overall in NBA Draft

Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty ImagesAs the 2021 NBA Draft began to shake out, the Indiana Pacers held steady at the 13th pick, selecting Chris Duarte out of Oregon. The Dominican Republic born guard averaged 17.1 points per game on 42.4% shooting from three point range last season from the Ducks, helping them to the Sweet Sixteen. Beyond his shooting, he’s a solid perimeter defender, earning All-Defensive Team honors in the Pac-12.

Duarte, at 24, is the oldest first round pick since 2002, which dampens the ceiling for Indiana’s first lottery pick since 2015. His age does factor into Indiana’s plan for the draft, which was to draft a player who can contribute right away. NBA Draft…