NBA Draft 2015: Darrun Hilliard's possible landing spots

The NBA Draft class of 2015 is very deep and many good players are not going to have their names called on June 25. Teams will be looking to undrafted free agents to find a player who can help their team immediately. Former Villanova Wildcat Darrun Hilliard fits into this category and after working out with over 10 NBA teams could find himself on a roster if he plays well over the summer. Here are four teams where Hilliard could be a fit.

Indiana Pacers

Hilliard worked out with Pacers on June 12 and his defensive ability coupled with three point shooting could provide the wing with an opportunity to make the Indiana roster. Under Coach Frank Vogel, the Pacers are known for their defense and the old "Big 3" in Miami were pushed to the brink twice by Indy with Paul George heathy.

On the current roster, Hilliard’s biggest competition for a spot would include Solomon Hill, C.J. Miles and Chris Copeland. Hill is still young so expect him to stay with the team, but Miles has not been too effective in recent seasons. Copeland can shoot it at times, but his lack of defense could open the door for Hilliard to make the roster. The Pacers are looking to win a championship and if Hilliard proves himself in the summer league he could be a part of a title run in a weak Eastern Conference.

Los Angeles Lakers

After his work out with the Lakers on June 13, Hilliard was beaming and seemed very excited about just wearing the purple and gold at the practice. It is clear that the Lakers still have that kind of effect on players. The flair of LA, history, rings and celebrities are still appealing even though the franchise has fallen into the NBA gutter over the last two seasons.

Hilliard’s defense would be a nice change of pace for a team that had many offensive minded players leading the way to one of the worst seasons in Lakers history last season. Nick "Swaggy P" Young and Wesley Johnson are two players that could stand in the way of Hilliard making an impact if he makes the team, but there are not many players that could stand in his way of getting spot on the roster. Wayne Ellington and Jordan Clarkson have had some moments, but Hilliard should be able to battle with them for a spot on the roster at a guard or possibly a small forward position. It seems that Hilliard would love to play at the Staples Center for the Lakers, but only time will tell if LA feels he is fit.

Dallas Mavericks

Besides Monta Ellis, the Dallas Mavericks do not really have a true shooting guard on their roster, which should be sweet music to the ears of Hilliard. He worked out with Dallas back on May 27 and could be a fit as a shooting option off the bench. With Rajon Rondo likely leaving the Mavs as well, Hilliard could step in and defend both guard spots while using his ball handling to make an impact on the offensive end.

Richard Jefferson is really the only player that would pose a threat to Hilliard who is currently on the roster, but he is now 34 years old and certainly past his prime. Based on how the roster is constructed before the draft and the likelihood that Hilliard will be a two guard at the next level, Dallas could be a good fit for him. Mark Cuban and Mavs could use him for their bench right away.

Orlando Magic

The Magic worked out Hilliard on June 18 along with former Nova teammate JayVaughn Pinkston. Orlando is an up and coming team with loads of young talent, but Hilliard has an opportunity to make this roster. The Magic only have three shooting guards on their roster and two of them are only 6-foot-3. It is safe to say that Willie Green and Ben Gordon are both past their respective primes—sorry UCONN. That leaves the young Evan Fournier who is 6-foot-7, but is not very experienced.

Orlando has the fifth overall pick in the draft and could select someone like a Justise Winslow to try and solve the lack of shooting guard depth. However, bringing in Hilliard could turn out to be invaluable for a team like Orlando that could use a player that knows how to win and will do whatever it takes for his team to be successful.

With Hilliard and a mix of veterans as well as other young talent, the Magic could make a run at a playoff spot. The shooting and smart overall play that Hilliard can provide could matchup nicely with Orlando.

Hilliard has worked out for numerous teams and is one of the few Big East players in this year’s class that could make an NBA roster. It is smart for Hilliard to take advantage of these opportunities to show these teams what he can bring to the table. With improvement, solid play and some roster moves we could see "Bethlehem Steel" playing in the association sooner rather than later.