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After a very nice run in the playoffs aided by opponents' injuries, the Pacers' inexperience caught up to them and the Celtics swept - but most of the games were very close, and the young Pacers got some playoff battle testing, which should prove valuable as the team grows.

So what now?

Going into this offseason, the Pacers have Haliburton, Turner, Nesmith, Mathurin, Nembhard, McConnell, Jackson, Sheppard, Walker, and Brown under contract. Siakam, Toppin, Smith, McDermott, Johnson are all free agents.

DRAFT

The Pacers do not own a 2024 1st round pick (traded to Toronto.) They have picks 36, 49 & 50 in the second round. Lately they've scored well on late 1st / early 2nd picks (Nembhard, Sheppard) but in this draft I don't expect to find anyone worthwhile.

FREE AGENTS

Obviously priority number one is re-signing Siakam. Presumably he gets the max, whatever that is.

Then it comes to Toppin & Smith, our backup bigs. Smith straight up fell out of the rotation in the playoffs, so I'm guessing he's gone. Can the Pacers keep Toppin, who played very well for them all year? Or will he get too big an offer elsewhere?

Then guys like McDermott & Johnson - older vets who are third string guys. James Johnson should probably retire. But could McDermott stick around on a cheap deal?

Who else might the Pacers target? They would really only have room on the roster to sign like one guy with the MLE or BAE or whatever those things are, I think. Any important holes that they could fill?

TRADES

Do the Pacers even bother with the trade market? Does one of Nembhard/Sheppard/Mathurin get shopped around at all? Do the Pacers shock everyone and make some crazy move involving Nesmith & Walker?

They really need Jarace Walker or Bennedict Mathurin to be good or move both of them for a SG/SF who is actually good.

Great season. The young guys will benefit from meaningful playoff experience. Seems like Mikal would be a perfect fit

Yeah, I’m assuming Pascal sticks around. I do think Philly will be tough to turn down, but the extra money and already being there, mixed with how good this run was would make me think it’s probably done really early.

I think the fun answer is trading for Bridges or someone to be the more ready third option and racing to the rematch with Boston. But I would just mostly run it back..

This team is really well built around their two stars and they have a few potential guys that could take big steps this summer (mainly Nembhard and Mathurin).. use the MLE, get healthy, hope for development.

IMO you have to pick between Smith and Toppin.
Shouldn’t pay both and bury Walker, but maybe you do and make him earn his minutes. Trade them in a year or two before the tax kicks in with Turner or Mathurin’s money..

Think most will disagree with that plan though.

I think Pacers will rely on organic development to improve roster for next season. The value of getting to ECF is it gives young guys valuable playoff experience. Re-sign Siakam and roll it back.

jowglenn wrote:Smith straight up fell out of the rotation in the playoffs, so I'm guessing he's gone.

he has a player option. there was a time when we all assumed he'd opt out and go find a starting position elsewhere. he may have played his way out of that possibility. if he choses to stay, I don't think we'll trade him or waive him. that said, a more physical backup center could help against some teams. it's not impossible one could be available at pick 36 or for the veteran minimum.

Sign Caleb Martin Or another wing defender for MLE

They need to see Walker making progress and being part of the rotation, and Mathurin finding his role in the team.

Honestly they should use Turner and maybe Mathurin to upgrade one position, and find a Hartenstein type of center to improve rebounding. Everyone saying Mikal is right.

Haliburton/TJ
Bridges/Nembhard
Nesmith/Bridges
Pascal/Toppin
Hartenstein/Jackson

I like this a lot honestly

tcheco wrote:They need to see Walker making progress and being part of the rotation, and Mathurin finding his role in the team.

Honestly they should use Turner and maybe Mathurin to upgrade one position, and find a Hartenstein type of center to improve rebounding. Everyone saying Mikal is right.

Haliburton/TJ
Bridges/Nembhard
Nesmith/Bridges
Pascal/Toppin
Hartenstein/Jackson

I like this a lot honestly

Yea Bridges would be a great #3 on that team. And BKN should really consider 2 of Nembhart/Mathurian/Wallace and whatever filler/incentive may be needed. I think that makes Indy pretty legit in the East.

.

I'd basically run it back...
-pay siakim
-maybe add Miles Bridges (over Toppin and/or Smith)
-given the success, maybe a Gordon Hayward is available on a vet min
-don't forget how promising Mathurin and Walker can be

Godaddycurse wrote:Sign Caleb Martin Or another wing defender for MLE

that's a name that has occurred to me too but does Nesmith deserve a demotion? Sheppard?

The most glaring hole to be filled is another wing. Apart from Nesmith, everyone else on the roster is either a C/PF (Siakam, Jackson) playing down a slot, or a smallish guard playing up a slot. I think it's reasonable for Indy to wait until the next TDL to see if Mathurin or Walker can grow to fill that role, but they have to do something to shore it up before next year's playoffs.

However, the most important development needs to be off the court: Haliburton should mimic Siakam, and spend a ton of time in the weight room. Hali has the length and court awareness to be a decent defender, but needs to be more committed and much stronger.

If Hali becomes average or slightly above average at D it unlocks another level for the Pacers.

double post

They need a larger 3D wing...I would start by trying an ST P.Williams...Hunter or DFS could be other options

They need a larger 3D wing...I would start by trying an ST P.Williams...Hunter or DFS could be other options

oldncreaky wrote:double post

double posts have become easy to make although you can delete the duplicate. I think the problem may be that the software isn't taking us to the new post leading us to think we need to submit it again.

I'd rather use Walker and/or Mathurin in a deal for a more proven veteran than just running it back and hoping one or both of them solve their issues. I find it especially difficult to believe they meaningful improve the defense which is what Indy needs--the offense is going to be great.

Halliburton/Siakam are too good not to be actively trying to improve right now, now just passively hoping for internal growth.

jay, I expect this to be even more unpopular lol

Texas Chuck wrote:I'd rather use Walker and/or Mathurin in a deal for a more proven veteran than just running it back and hoping one or both of them solve their issues. I find it especially difficult to believe they meaningful improve the defense which is what Indy needs--the offense is going to be great.

Halliburton/Siakam are too good not to be actively trying to improve right now, now just passively hoping for internal growth.

jay, I expect this to be even more unpopular lol

Is adding another proven veteran enough to make them a contender though? I'm not convinced it raises their ceiling that much

If Indiana is all in on the Haliburton/Siakam/Turner core, then moving Nembhard for McDaniels makes sense for both sides.

Minnesota may look elsewhere is they need to cut costs, but it's certainly an option and Nesmith/McDaniels/Siakam is an excellent 2-4 defensively.

I believe Indiana will stay patient this off-season. They have a clear understanding of the types of players they want to acquire and if that player is acquirable then they should pursue, but I find it more likely they stand-pat and make a smaller move at or near the trade deadline.