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Illinois Basketball: 5 NBA teams who need Ayo Dosunmu the most in 2020

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - DECEMBER 29: The bench erupts in celebration after Illinois Fighting Illini guard Ayo Dosunmu (11) hits a three point shot to tie the game in the final seconds of regulation during the college basketball game between the Florida Atlantic University Owls and the Illinois Fighting Illini on December 29, 2018, at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - DECEMBER 29: The bench erupts in celebration after Illinois Fighting Illini guard Ayo Dosunmu (11) hits a three point shot to tie the game in the final seconds of regulation during the college basketball game between the Florida Atlantic University Owls and the Illinois Fighting Illini on December 29, 2018, at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS – MARCH 03: Ayo Dosunmu #11 of the Illinois Fighting Illini at the free throw line in the game against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at State Farm Center on March 03, 2019 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

The Indiana Pacers are at an interesting point with their franchise. They have, arguably, the best team that I have seen for Indiana since the pre-malice at the palace days.

Indiana’s roster is pretty solid right now. Their No. 1 spot is held by Darren Collison who played in 76 games this past season and averaged 11.2 points, 6 assists and 3.1 rebounds per game. Those aren’t bad numbers, but he is going to be 32 years old before the next league year. The Pacers might not re-sign Collison either. He is now a free agent, so they could be looking elsewhere this offseason.

The Pacers do have a few other options for the No. 1 guard spot. Cory Joseph has been a solid player for the Pacers, but he is more of a reserve backup guy. He is also a free agent, so Indiana would have to re-sign him this offseason. The other option is Aaron Holliday.

Holliday played in 50 games this season and averaged 5.9 points, 1.7 assists and 1.3 rebounds per game. He is a good player to have around because he has okay production at a low cost. Holliday is still on his rookie contract and the team is in control through the 2021-22 season.

Overall, there isn’t a ton of stability at the No. 1 spot for the Pacers. They only have one player – Holliday – under contract who is an option at the No. 1 spot. Ayo Dosunmu would be a great pick for the Pacers in the 2020 NBA Draft.

Ayo brings that great passing ability that the Pacers have been missing for a while now. He can score the ball at the hoop and from distance as well. The smart move for the Pacers would be to re-sign Collison to a short deal, if possible. This would give them time to draft Ayo in 2020 and then groom him for a year or two. He would help elevate this position for the Pacers.

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