<p>Seismic division and conference power shifts don’t happen because of the 23rd pick in an NBA Draft.</p>
<p>Now would be a good time to change that.</p>
<p>Toronto taking former Indiana University forward OG Anunoby in that spot last year turned out well. Prior to that, Jordan’s old jersey number was a pool of disappointment all the way back to when Detroit picked Tayshaun Prince 16 years ago.</p>
<p>And with that, let us welcome Aaron Holiday to the Indiana Pacers.</p>
<p>That’s not to say Holiday, a guard out of UCLA, won’t be a serviceable addition to a Pacers team that was fifth in the East last season. Just don’t expect All-Star Game invitations (even though his older brother, Jrue, has been one) or the franchise raking in serious coin because of a 23 pick’s jersey sales.</p>
<p>Since drafting Paul George 10th in the 2010 draft, Indiana has been stuck in the no-man’s land of choosing between 11th and 26th. Myles Turner generated a modest current of excitement a few years ago due to Larry Bird’s constant praising, but that’s pretty much it.</p>
<p>The Pacers used to hold draft parties inside spacious Bankers Life Fieldhouse. It’s where fans could enter the building, consume food and beverage and boo until hoarse at the big screen once the team’s first-round pick was announced.</p>
<p>Now such events could be held in the building’s laundry room.</p>
<p>Consider, if you will, the alternative.</p>
<p>A franchise must completely bottom out in order for its supporters to pay close attention to a draft. Think Suns, Lakers, Kings, Timberwolves and the annually woeful 76ers (prior to the past season).</p>
<p>Potential saviors are taken early. Once your team is in double figures, cross your fingers. If they’re in the 20s, like the Pacers this season, go work on your yard.</p>
<p>Just remember to Google the guy’s name after putting away the weed eater.</p>
<p>Last summer’s trade that brought Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis to the Pacers from Oklahoma City was supposed to push the Pacers into the Eastern Conference basement for who knows how many seasons.</p>
<p>Then Indiana could have gotten our first single-digit draft pick since — wait for it — George McCloud in 1989. And maybe even a few more after that.</p>
<p>But Oladipo emerged as an All-Star, the hard-nosed Sabonis started all but eight regular-season games and Indiana was the league’s feel-good story until losing to Cleveland in seven games in the opening round of the playoffs.</p>
<p>But because 23rd picks are rarely game-changers and the most sought-after free agents usually don’t look at Indiana as an enticing option, Pacers president Kevin Pritchard and those working for him must scout, draft, trade and acquire wisely.</p>
<p>My hope is Holiday surprises the way Oladipo and Sabonis surprised. Either way, having the 23rd overall pick isn’t all so bad.</p>
<p>It means the Indiana Pacers are doing something right.</p>
