Hollinger on Pacers

[granger05]

A couple of Pacer questions turned up in Hollinger's chat today:

Aneesh (Indy)
If you were the Pacers, would you trade Danny Granger and reload with Paul George at SF and trade for/sign/draft a young, scoring minded SG?


John Hollinger (12:04 PM)
I think the Pacers will explore the studio space with Granger trades, let's put it that way. George is a more natural 3 than a 2 and I think that Granger's presence is getting in his way; on the other hand, Granger is a near-All-Star talent himself and the Pacers aren't in a bind cap-wise (at least yet), so they needn't be in any hurry.

and

Steve Nash (FA)
Why no one talks about me going to Indy? Perfect match for both sides. They need playmaker badly. They can offer 8m/per for 2-3 years. They need leadership. They become instant East contenders with him. And its not like he will be afterthought ring-chaser on that particular team. So why not?

John Hollinger (1:07 PM)
Um, how to put this gently ... the fact he'd have to live in Indiana? Fine place and all, but not exactly a magnet city for NBA players. I think Nash's main choices will end up being Phoenix, Dallas and Toronto.

There was also a question about Deron Williams that left us conspicuous by our absence.

@DarinForDeron (Dallas, TX)
Will Deron Williams sign with the Dallas Mavericks?

John Hollinger (12:31 PM)
I think there's a strong chance of this, yes. I don't think he returns to the Nets to play with Gerald Wallace and Kris Humphries, let's put it that way, so if Brooklyn can't get Dwight I think he'll bolt. And if he's going to bolt, the only three realistic possibilities are Dallas, Phoenix, and a sign-trade to the Lakers for Pau. Of the three I'd put the best odds on Dallas.

I wonder what percentage of NBA teams actually have a chance to sign free agents?

[Boneman2]

John Hollinger (1:07 PM)
Um, how to put this gently ... the fact he'd have to live in Indiana? Fine place and all, but not exactly a magnet city for NBA players. I think Nash's main choices will end up being Phoenix, Dallas and Toronto.

Toronto is the least magnetic of any NBA city.

David West was a momentum changer for us, the fact we were able to attract him might incline others to consider our team.

If Durant can play in OKC, anyone can play anywhere because the market is irrelevant.

Hollinger is only trying to enrich his favorite scenarios because nobody really knows what the future holds. Unless Nash is on record as saying the city of Indy is not suitable, then Hollinger is just being stereotypical.

[Scoot McGroot]

Uh, Toronto is a world-class city. Yes, it's cold there, but it's a pretty cool city for someone with money. Plus, I think Nash does have a little desire to play in Canada, as a native himself. Isn't he selecting the players for the Canadian national team?

[Boneman2]

Uh, Toronto is a world-class city. Yes, it's cold there, but it's a pretty cool city for someone with money. Plus, I think Nash does have a little desire to play in Canada, as a native himself. Isn't he selecting the players for the Canadian national team?

Yeah, I am aware that Toronto could potentially land their countryman, and that it is a world-class city.

Regardless, it still doesn't change the fact that Nash is 38, and nobody outside of him wants to play there. It's not my fault. I just have a problem with Indy not being called a suitable destination when Toronto is in the same sentence, especially since our team just finished with the 5th best record.

Maybe Steve will realize this and sign with the right team that gives him the best opportunity to win a title next year. Most the contenders are settled at pg, except us. If Hollinger was being realistic this is what he would have wrote. Instead he sells more of the same typical hype.

Nobody expected West to sign with us but he did, hopefully that trend will continue.

[8305]

I know Hoopsworld gets bashed alot on this sight but to their credit a number of their writers had David West going to Indiana. So that we were in the hunt for him wasn't a total shock. It's not like Indiana can't get free agents but the high profile guys with options to go to the glamor markets are most likely going to go there over Indiana. Decent chance they even take a compensation haircut. i think history proves that out.

[Scoot McGroot]

Uh, Toronto is a world-class city. Yes, it's cold there, but it's a pretty cool city for someone with money. Plus, I think Nash does have a little desire to play in Canada, as a native himself. Isn't he selecting the players for the Canadian national team?

Yeah, I am aware that Toronto could potentially land their countryman, and that it is a world-class city.

Regardless, it still doesn't change the fact that Nash is 38, and nobody outside of him wants to play there. It's not my fault. I just have a problem with Indy not being called a suitable destination when Toronto is in the same sentence, especially since our team just finished with the 5th best record.

I disagree. Chicago can be cold, too, but it's probably in the same vein as Toronto. Seriously, Toronto is a world-class city. Indianapolis is simply not in it's caliber, and that's ok.

[Wizop]

I don't think Bird has ever pursued a high profile guy interested in glamor and I don't think he will. his small market strategy is to build a band of brothers. we want team players willing to fit in, play a role, and contribute to winning. pacers.com reports that the guys at the draft workout were told we were looking to draft a role player who could contribute to the second unit. I don't see us taking a different strategy with free agents.

I expect us to at least talk to Nash's agent but if we had him I think he'd have to share minutes with DC and GH would move back to two. I don't really see that though as I think the team is happier with DC than many fans seem to be. plus I think the coaching staff really liked Barbosa's leadership even though he flamed out against Miami and if he's back, then GH needs to continue to get minutes at point.

personally I think what we need most is another center so we can push Lou into competition with Tyler at the four. it is starting to look like the centers are moving up the draft board and will be gone by 26.

I don't see the point in trading Granger. PG is just fine at the two and does not need to be moved to the three.

[Boneman2]

Uh, Toronto is a world-class city. Yes, it's cold there, but it's a pretty cool city for someone with money. Plus, I think Nash does have a little desire to play in Canada, as a native himself. Isn't he selecting the players for the Canadian national team?

Yeah, I am aware that Toronto could potentially land their countryman, and that it is a world-class city.

Regardless, it still doesn't change the fact that Nash is 38, and nobody outside of him wants to play there. It's not my fault. I just have a problem with Indy not being called a suitable destination when Toronto is in the same sentence, especially since our team just finished with the 5th best record.

I disagree. Chicago can be cold, too, but it's probably in the same vein as Toronto. Seriously, Toronto is a world-class city. Indianapolis is simply not in it's caliber, and that's ok.

Nobody is comparing the quaity of North American cities Scoot, but maybe Toronto is too classy and culturally diversified for most players taste's.

I am just pointing out that US players don't want to live/play in Toronto for a variety of reasons. That is not a sterotype but a fact. Many players have openly complained about playing there, and constantly have to reassure the fanbase they are happy.

Toronto definitely has some clout in their pursuit for Nash, but realistically he shouldn't sign there because they will waste his final two seasons.

I know Hoopsworld gets bashed alot on this sight but to their credit a number of their writers had David West going to Indiana. So that we were in the hunt for him wasn't a total shock. It's not like Indiana can't get free agents but the high profile guys with options to go to the glamor markets are most likely going to go there over Indiana. Decent chance they even take a compensation haircut. i think history proves that out.

I don't think the Pacers initially pursued West, remember his decision to choose Indy over Boston came late in free agency. We obtained David due to a process of elimination that eventually led to the obvious. Ultimately, he took less money to sign here.

[Wizop]

there was no early in free agency last year because of the lock out. everyone signed late.

normally Toronto is a better destination for international players than US players. I don't know the details but I assume it has to do with US taxes. that wouldn't be an issue for Nash since he is Canadian. but I think Nash would stay in Phoenix unless he got an offer from an immediate contender and I don't see Toronto as that.

the more I think of it though, the more I think the plan is to give George Hill a chance to be our point guard of the future. Bruno's end of season profile suggests that Hill has been asked to work on his point guard skills to see if he can become more than a small two guard who can fill in at the one. absent a Collison trade, I think Nash would just get in the way.

[pacers70]

Based on what I have read and various quotes from Bird and Vogel, I think the Pacers are pretty well set with Hill at PG. It appears the Pacers would like to have Hill, George, Hibbert, Granger and West as the starters next season. They also appear to think that Hansbrough will be able to step in at starting PF in a couple of years. In addition they are high on Stephenson and Pendergraph.

The Pacers would be foolish to trade Granger unless an unbelievable opportunity came around.

Nash will not sign with the Pacers. He loves Phoenix and he would only leave there if he felt like he had a chance to win a championship. In my opinion, if he leaves Phoenix, I think he would go to the Lakers or Knicks. He will not go to Dallas because they will get Deron Williams.

[SmashMouthRod]

The Pacers should be looking at 5's; or wing scorers; The weakness was scoring off the bench and interior defense when Roy sat. There are options in this draft; but also their are some vet free agents who might be cheaper and able to keep the defense intense off the bench such as Jermaine O'Neal (he's not a great scorer anymore; but still a good shot blocker); Oden if healthy; and Haywood if amnestied. As far as scoring they should look at guys like Jason Terry. The draft also has scorers like Jenkins.

[chube]

Jamal Crawford will opt out of Portland. Maybe an option as a sixth man? I'd rather have him than Barbosa.

[Boneman2]

Jamal Crawford will opt out of Portland. Maybe an option as a sixth man? I'd rather have him than Barbosa.

Crawford can definitely create his own shot, but I don't know if he is a possibility if we resign GHill. He is worth looking into, but I get the feeling he is looking for a contract much larger than we are willing to offer, due to the ten million he is turning down.

Now if a Granger trade comes to be, and PG moves to sf, then we'd have a glaring hole at the 2, depending on our return. At this time I'd consider Crawford, Mayo, etc.... But if they are too expensive for us to justify paying them as b/u's, we just can't do it.

[Scoot McGroot]

I don't think the Pacers initially pursued West, remember his decision to choose Indy over Boston came late in free agency. We obtained David due to a process of elimination that eventually led to the obvious. Ultimately, he took less money to sign here.

We contacted David West within minutes of free agency opening. We offered the same 2 year/$20 million deal he eventually signed. However, he pursued a 3 yr deal with Boston that would have only happened through a S&T with New Orleans, but NOH rightly refused to take back JO's contract and essentially nothing else of positive value just to do Boston a favor. Ultimately, we had the highest offer, but may have been one of the few suitors.

[Scoot McGroot]

Jamal Crawford will opt out of Portland. Maybe an option as a sixth man? I'd rather have him than Barbosa.

Crawford can definitely create his own shot, but I don't know if he is a possibility if we resign GHill. He is worth looking into, but I get the feeling he is looking for a contract much larger than we are willing to offer, due to the ten million he is turning down.

Crawford declined a $5.225 million option for next year. He likely wants a long-term deal at MLE or higher money more than anything else. I just can't see us offering that.

[Wizop]

Scoot, you really don't see us offering Crawford Barbosa level money? if he declined a 5 million option, I'd think we'd make a run at him in the range of one or two million over the new MLE. on the other hand, if he turned down 10, I don't see us competing. we tried to get him last year, didn't we? if so, we know Bird likes him and he's a guy that can get you 30.

the threshold question though is Barbosa in my mind not Hill. I can't see us resigning Barbosa and signing Crawford unless we move Dahntay. plus, I think the draft is going to give us a three and Stephenson is due a shot at combo guard minutes. if I'm reading the exit interviews right, the coaches loved Barbosa's leadership. Boneman says he likes Crawford over Barbosa and for the same money I can see that if we downplay the leadership point.

[Scoot McGroot]

Scoot, you really don't see us offering Crawford Barbosa level money? if he declined a 5 million option, I'd think we'd make a run at him in the range of one or two million over the new MLE. on the other hand, if he turned down 10, I don't see us competing. we tried to get him last year, didn't we? if so, we know Bird likes him and he's a guy that can get you 30.

5 years $33 million? No, I don't see us offering Crawford that. We offered Crawford 2 years $10 million last year. I see us offering about the same. I also think he won't entertain an offer from us after we strung him along last season trying to get the Mayo deal done. Essentially, Morway sabotaged both the Mayo deal, and a possible Crawford signing.

[Boneman2]

I don't think the Pacers initially pursued West, remember his decision to choose Indy over Boston came late in free agency. We obtained David due to a process of elimination that eventually led to the obvious. Ultimately, he took less money to sign here.

We contacted David West within minutes of free agency opening. We offered the same 2 year/$20 million deal he eventually signed. However, he pursued a 3 yr deal with Boston that would have only happened through a S&T with New Orleans, but NOH rightly refused to take back JO's contract and essentially nothing else of positive value just to do Boston a favor. Ultimately, we had the highest offer, but may have been one of the few suitors.

I've read a few reports that said we initially pursued Nene until it was clear that Denver was going to overpay him.

[SmashMouthRod]

Brandon Roy is playing in Jamal Crawfords summer pro am; The pacers scouts should be checking him out. He may be able to fill our offensive need off the bench. Thoughts?

[8305]

Baring an unforeseen opportunity I see the Pacers rolling with Hill and Collison at the point. Not a bad option. In fact I like Darren coming off the bench aggressively looking to score. In the playoffs I think you need an eight man rotation and beyond Darren the quality if our bench is below the required standard for the first eight spots.

I see us needing another wing. Not sure I'm willing to count on Lance for this nor am I convinced Barbosa or Crawford are a direction I'd go. In the draft the best candidate I see for this role is Jeff Taylor. Not sure I see the guy who fits the third big role on the team or even in free agency. A Dale Davis or Jeff Foster skill set would be nice. Beyond those first three bench guys I don't think the other two are that important. They shouldn't be total stiffs but in the playoffs the 9th and 10 guys rarely play on the elite teams