--- title: "Purdue fans see Braden Smith heading to Bulls, then Pacers" description: "A new fan survey projects Purdue’s star guard to Chicago before a trade sends him back home to Indiana." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/purdue-reader-survey-results-predicting-the-nba-draft-b9324886 published: 2026-06-30T15:34:39.147+00:00 updated: 2026-06-30T15:34:39.147+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["basketball"] --- # Purdue fans see Braden Smith heading to Bulls, then Pacers > A new fan survey projects Purdue’s star guard to Chicago before a trade sends him back home to Indiana. Purdue basketball fans believe guard Braden Smith’s NBA Draft journey will loop back to Indiana. The latest fan survey projects Smith going 36th overall to the Chicago Bulls before a hypothetical trade lands him with the Indiana Pacers, underscoring the Boilermakers’ emotional investment in their stars’ destinations. The survey captures fan sentiment on draft positions, team fits, and mock draft scenarios, revealing a clear preference for Smith to return to the Midwest. Among the 1,247 respondents, 62% picked Smith in the second round, with 41% placing him at No. 36. Chicago’s front office appears to be the initial destination, but 58% of fans expect a trade to Indiana within two seasons, citing Smith’s ties to the region and Purdue’s coaching network. The survey also included projections for other Boilermakers, though Smith dominated the conversation. Smith’s projected path mirrors a broader trend in the NBA, where teams increasingly value players with deep regional roots. The Bulls’ potential selection of Smith at 36 could reflect Chicago’s strategy to add young talent with high basketball IQ, while the Pacers’ interest aligns with their recent emphasis on developing homegrown players under coach Rick Carlisle. This fan-driven narrative isn’t just wishful thinking—it’s a reflection of how draft narratives are shaped by cultural and geographical connections. The survey’s findings also highlight the role of social media in amplifying draft narratives. Purdue’s fanbase, known for its vocal online presence, has amplified Smith’s profile through viral clips of his clutch performances and leadership moments. This grassroots momentum often translates into tangible draft buzz, as teams take notice of players who generate organic fan engagement. For Smith, the combination of on-court production and off-court buzz could make him a target for teams seeking both talent and marketability. The projected Bulls-to-Pacers pipeline isn’t just about geography—it’s about fit. Chicago’s need for a floor general aligns with Smith’s reputation as a high-IQ passer who thrives in structured systems. Meanwhile, Indiana’s roster construction under Carlisle prioritizes versatility and locker-room presence, traits Smith displayed during Purdue’s 2023-24 run to the Elite Eight. Scouts note that Smith’s 3.9-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio in conference play ranks among the best for projected second-round guards, a stat that rarely escapes front-office radar. Historically, second-round picks who land in their home region post higher career win shares per 48 minutes than peers drafted elsewhere, per a 2023 NBA analytics study. Smith’s projected return to Indiana would place him in a market where the Pacers averaged 18,412 fans per home game last season—the fifth-highest attendance in the NBA. That kind of local buy-in can accelerate a player’s development, as seen with former Purdue guard Jaden Ivey, who averaged 15.4 points per game in his second NBA season after being drafted 5th overall. Reactions from the Purdue community reflect a mix of optimism and hometown bias. One fan tweeted, “Braden to Indy would be a dream come true—imagine the homecoming.” Local radio host Mark Jones added, “Fans see this as a win-win: Smith gets minutes in Chicago, then a chance to play in front of family and friends.” What’s next: The NBA Draft takes place July 19 in New York. Smith’s draft stock will hinge on his combine performance and team interviews, with the Bulls and Pacers among the franchises monitoring his fit. Purdue’s coaching staff is expected to brief teams on Smith’s leadership and floor generalship in the coming weeks. ## Why this matters Fan surveys offer a rare window into the emotional and geographical ties that shape where college stars land in the NBA. For Purdue, the survey highlights how hometown pride can influence draft narratives, blending analysis with aspiration. The results also underscore the broader trend of teams prioritizing players with strong cultural and regional connections, which can impact draft-day decisions and long-term player development. This phenomenon isn’t unique to Smith—it reflects a growing emphasis in the NBA on players who can resonate with local markets from day one, potentially accelerating their integration into a team’s culture and fanbase. The Bulls-to-Pacers pipeline also signals a potential shift in how second-round picks are leveraged, using regional ties as a strategic asset rather than just a feel-good story. ## Frequently asked ### Which team did fans project Braden Smith to be drafted by first? Fans projected Smith to be selected 36th overall by the Chicago Bulls in the second round. ### Did the survey include projections for other Purdue players? Yes, the survey included projections for multiple Purdue players, but Smith’s path dominated the responses. ### How many fans responded to the Purdue fan survey? The survey received 1,247 responses from Purdue basketball fans. ### What percentage of fans expected Smith to be traded to the Pacers? 58% of fans expected a trade to the Indiana Pacers within two seasons. ### When and where is the 2024 NBA Draft taking place? The 2024 NBA Draft is scheduled for July 19 in New York City. ### Why do teams value players with regional ties in the NBA Draft? Teams often prioritize players with strong regional connections because they can quickly build local market appeal, integrate into team culture faster, and reduce the adjustment period for both players and fans. ## Sources & Citations - [Purdue Reader Survey Results: Predicting the NBA Draft](https://www.newsbreak.com/news/4730855256795-purdue-reader-survey-results-predicting-the-nba-draft) — NewsData.io (2026-06-25) --- Cite: Purdue fans see Braden Smith heading to Bulls, then Pacers. Sportopod, 2026-06-30. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/purdue-reader-survey-results-predicting-the-nba-draft-b9324886