Pacers Forever wrote:I actually like Bruce Brown and his talents. However, he doesn’t feel like part of the core going forward.
He’s like a temporary piece or rental during the maturation of the core group bringing experience, knowledge, competition, and work ethic to the team. A very good flexible cap strategy.
Conversely I think Obi Toppin was a steal and will be a priority to re-sign. I believe he’s in a maturing process this season and by season’s end he’s going to be a more consistent and complete player that fits the future build. He’s an offensive player who will fit in, but not our defensive rebounding answer we still need.
His averages with
Knicks ………………………………..Pacers
14 minutes ………………………. 24 minutes
63% 2PFG ……………………………73% 2PFG
32% 3PFG …………………………. 41% 3PFG
49% FG ………………………………. 59% FG
Rest of categories are even with +1 rebound more with Pacers
This results in a +5 point scoring average difference from his time with the Knicks because he’s getting opportunity to grow and develop here with a team that shares the ball.
He’s stroking 3’s more confidently and consistently. He’s a high energy movement player who gets up and down and lives for the lob. Shares the ball. I’m not sure if his rebounding will improve, but I do believe his defense will improve due to being aggressively active. Appears to have great character from videos fitting into the good guy Pacer narrative. I don’t see him as a future starter though, but an integral role player who’s hopefully a cap friendly asset.
This season we have seen huge growth from Nesmith and Smith with noticeable growth from I Jax, and Myles.
Smith and I Jax should be re-signed if affordable due to future potential and we need to sign our own free agents for continuity and chemistry. We shouldn’t develop other teams players like Smith and Toppin to let them walk. Smartly we locked up Nesmith.
Pacers core inmho Turner, Haliburton, Smith, I Jax, Mathurin, Nesmith, Toppin, Walker, Sheppard, Tshiebwe, and McConnell. Nembhard maybe.
Of course Tyrese is an ever evolving star talent. Mathurin continues to exhibit his ability to create his own offense and has more potential growth towards becoming more than just a scorer.
McConnell is a valuable veteran glue and point guard insurance plan that is a must until the Pacers youth is ready.
That brings up Nembhard who in fairness has been injured this season. I don’t see as much growth as I do in Mathurin. I still see backup point guard potential and a little bit of defense this season. I’m hoping he continues to mature and make bigger strides since the ability is there.
I’m not sure if he’s part of the core or a diamond draft steal that could be moved in a trade.
Nwora is a free agent who could walk, could be traded, or maybe return as a future deep roster development player.
Kendall Brown, Wong, and maybe Tshiebwe feel like G league players again next season.
Hield, Bruce Brown, and Johnson are gone at season’s end most likely. Hopefully this salary equals a trade or cap space to obtain 1 experienced power forward.
Pacers upcoming draft capital is their own first round pick, likely OKC’s first round pick, and Milwaukee’s second round pick. I’m guessing a consolidation package moving up to get 1 player in the first round and maybe a second round late round project pick.
In summary I’m thinking very little change is needed to this roster as long as everyone stays healthy, continues to develop their skills, and the 4 position is addressed. Must strengthen their defense and rebounding to supplement an already strong offensive team.
Very well said. Very much appreciate the thought and consideration that went into this analysis. Thank you. =]
Agree completely. I have to believe (based mostly on last year, when he was healthy) that Nemhard will become part of the core, as he gets healthier & more experienced. TJ is really proving his value this year with his play. Also, his mentorship has (reportedly from players interviews) been very positive, and important in the Pacers keeping their focus on the next game, staying up. If Nemhard can become that backup, combo guard, and come up to speed as TJ begins to age,... The Pacers really are in good shape, with a number of roads to improvement and a better future for a team that already looks like a playoff team.
Remembering how things were at the beginning of 21-22,.... Have to be truly thankful for where we are now,.. =]