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It's official that Stix has opted out. He could be resigned at a higher price. We could play obi behind iJax. We could sign or trade for someone. Thoughts

The elephant in the room is what is their plan with Oscar Tshiebwe. Currently it appears he’s destined to a two way and the Mad Ants for more development instead of a 3rd string backup on the roster. He was signed as an undrafted college free agent gamble so no big loss to the organization if he doesn’t develop into a piece that fits.

As far as talent available we’ll have to wait and see what defensive centers are available through trade or free agency. I could see the Pacers going with a better developed center than I Jax and let him be the 3rd center for another year and develop more to become the backup going forward long term.

I could also see the Pacers go with I Jax as Myles immediate backup and use Obi as a small 5 or bring in a center of similar talent as I Jax and let them battle for the backup minutes.

Going forward I feel like the Pacer’s need is to have defensive minded, rebounding, agile centers since they’re loaded with scoring at all other positions.

We got a wing-sized wing. I hope we get a center-sized center. The big physical centers give us trouble. IJax can get the main backup minutes and a bigger center would only play situationally.

Pacers Forever wrote:I could also see the Pacers go with I Jax as Myles immediate backup and use Obi as a small 5 or bring in a center of similar talent as I Jax and let them battle for the backup minutes.

I’m here with this. I think they’ll even ultimately play minutes with Obi or Siakam at the 5.

Scoot McGroot wrote:

Pacers Forever wrote:I could also see the Pacers go with I Jax as Myles immediate backup and use Obi as a small 5 or bring in a center of similar talent as I Jax and let them battle for the backup minutes.

I’m here with this. I think they’ll even ultimately play minutes with Obi or Siakam at the 5.

I like obi at 5 but we also need a plan for guys like Zubac.

Without any research some free agent centers

Jonas Valanciunas 6’11” 265 32 years old 8.8 rpg
Goga Bitadze 6’10” 250 24 years old 4.6 rpg

Precious Achiuwa 6'8" 243 24 years old 6.6 rpg
Kevin Love 6'8" 251 35 years old 6.1 rpg

Luke Kornet 7’1” 250 28 years old 4.1 rpg
Neemias Queta 7'0" 248 24 years 4.4 rpg

I think all are UFA except RFA Queta.

I didn’t include Hartenstein or anyone expected to be expensive so mention someone if you think the Pacers can afford them.

Any you like or don’t like ?

Pacers Forever wrote:Without any research some free agent centers

Jonas Valanciunas 6’11” 265 32 years old 8.8 rpg
Goga Bitadze 6’10” 250 24 years old 4.6 rpg

Precious Achiuwa 6'8" 243 24 years old 6.6 rpg
Kevin Love 6'8" 251 35 years old 6.1 rpg

Luke Kornet 7’1” 250 28 years old 4.1 rpg
Neemias Queta 7'0" 248 24 years 4.4 rpg

I think all are UFA except RFA Queta.

I didn’t include Hartenstein or anyone expected to be expensive so mention someone if you think the Pacers can afford them.

Any you like or don’t like ?

Valanciunas if he's cheap enough. Maybe zeller or plumlee as they're from Indiana.

I'd get Valanciunas if he can be gotten fairly cheap I don't wan to pay tax to have that guy.

basketballwacko2 wrote:I'd get Valanciunas if he can be gotten fairly cheap I don't wan to pay tax to have that guy.

If I remember, last year was Boston, Milwaukee, NY, Cleveland, Orlando, Pacers. I think I'd pay a little tax if we were in the hunt for two through four. But I'm not sure we are better than any of last year's top five and Philly could be healthier.

We are not ready to be a tax team, so I'm guessing small trade or very small free agent, but yeah we need a 3rd center. Don't trust IJax vs stronger C's. You don't want to be in the tax until you're a sure fire contender. Those multiple year tax numbers get ugly.

The Knicks/Celtics are clearly in their own league in the East. Depending on what happens we are right there with Orl/Cle/76ers. But I'm not paying the tax unless I'm in that first group.

We do need a center; Jackson should be the main backup to Turner, but we need a big body to throw out there in emergencies (Turner injured, Jackson foul trouble - hardly unanticipated events)

I'm talking veteran minimum guys... Cody Zeller come home to Indiana? Where's Javale McGee these days?

I was really hoping that this answer was going to be Andre Drummond. Size, rebounding, and he wants to be a backup... Seemed like he would have been a nice fit behind Turner.
I'm not sure if there are any good fits left now without making a trade.

I like a Cody Zeller like signing. Someone that will sit, stay ready, and take a minimum.

See if Thad would sign as a backup 5? He’s vet minimum pricing now, and has been ground based for a long time, with smart positioning. Could make sense, and he could probably also fill a James Johnson like locker room role.

Scoot McGroot wrote:See if Thad would sign as a backup 5? He’s vet minimum pricing now, and has been ground based for a long time, with smart positioning. Could make sense, and he could probably also fill a James Johnson like locker room role.

I don't remember how he (emotionally) left Indiana. Were there any hard feelings there? If not, he may be a really nice player to have. He may only be an 8-10min/night guy, which may be enough?

MNPacersfan wrote:

Scoot McGroot wrote:See if Thad would sign as a backup 5? He’s vet minimum pricing now, and has been ground based for a long time, with smart positioning. Could make sense, and he could probably also fill a James Johnson like locker room role.

I don't remember how he (emotionally) left Indiana. Were there any hard feelings there? If not, he may be a really nice player to have. He may only be an 8-10min/night guy, which may be enough?

No hard feelings. It was recognized that it was time for Sabonis to start, and Thad had an offer at the open of free agency that he immediately took.

His wife tweets often if their love for Indy, too.

Scoot McGroot wrote:

MNPacersfan wrote:

Scoot McGroot wrote:See if Thad would sign as a backup 5? He’s vet minimum pricing now, and has been ground based for a long time, with smart positioning. Could make sense, and he could probably also fill a James Johnson like locker room role.

I don't remember how he (emotionally) left Indiana. Were there any hard feelings there? If not, he may be a really nice player to have. He may only be an 8-10min/night guy, which may be enough?

No hard feelings. It was recognized that it was time for Sabonis to start, and Thad had an offer at the open of free agency that he immediately took.

His wife tweets often if their love for Indy, too.

Would love Thad back,... even if he never played,... was one of the key people is establishing the Pacers locker room identity,.. way back when. Though,.. if Thad would work as a 3rd string center,... probably JJ would as well?

Scoot McGroot wrote:See if Thad would sign as a backup 5?

I would rather sign a player who is actually a center. That isn't Thad, as much as we may all like the guy.

Tom White wrote:

Scoot McGroot wrote:See if Thad would sign as a backup 5?

I would rather sign a player who is actually a center. That isn't Thad, as much as we may all like the guy.

Is he not? It’s basically all he’s played the last 3-4 seasons.

Scoot McGroot wrote:Is he not? It’s basically all he’s played the last 3-4 seasons.

That is fine if another team wanted to use him that way. All I'm saying is he doesn't fit my definition of a center. 6' 8" 235lbs. is fine for a PF in my mind, but not for a center. I want someone with size to throw out there in emergencies. Contrary to other time periods, I think the league is getting bigger on the front lines.