Center depth.

[minimus]

Hi guys,
I am not IND fan, but I always liked this team from Jalen Rose times. I have two questions: it looks like because of injuries your team is short at C. Why you let Jalen Smith go? He seems like a decent backup big. And what happened to Isaiah Jackson? Last season I watched a few games ad he looked promising.

P.S. I remember I thought that Austin Croshere was ahed of time as stretch four, lol

[Scoot McGroot]

Hi guys,
I am not IND fan, but I always liked this team from Jalen Rose times. I have two questions: it looks like because of injuries your team is short at C. Why you let Jalen Smith go? He seems like a decent backup big. And what happened to Isaiah Jackson? Last season I watched a few games ad he looked promising.

Jalen wanted a bigger role and he had been usurped here by Isaiah Jackson in the playoffs, so he would’ve been the 3rd center here. We then signed Obi Toppin as our backup 4, and James Wiseman as our 3rd center, and then Wiseman and Jackson both tore their Achilles tendon’s in the first couple weeks of the season, so they’re out injured all year. U,timateky, we had no money for Jalen, as we were, and are, right up against the luxury tax.

P.S. I remember I thought that Austin Croshere was ahed of time as stretch four, lol

He kind of was, even though we played him as a 3 more often than not, as was fitting in that era.

[Wizop]

Hi guys,
I am not IND fan, but I always liked this team from Jalen Rose times. I have two questions: it looks like because of injuries your team is short at C. Why you let Jalen Smith go? He seems like a decent backup big. And what happened to Isaiah Jackson? Last season I watched a few games ad he looked promising.

Isiah Jackson basically beat out Smith plus Smith hoped to start elsewhere. we signed Wiseman to be the third center. Wiseman tore his Achilles in the first game and Jackson tore his not long after that. both were out for the season. Wiseman has since been dumped to reclaim a roster spot.

[JMaster5K]

https://hoopshype.com/2025/01/29/myles-turner-seeking-a-contract-in-the-30-million-plus-range-that-pacers-dont-want-to-pay/

Title: myles-turner-seeking-a-contract-in-the-30-million-plus-range-that-pacers-dont-want-to-pay.

This part of the story is taken from a NY Times article by Jovan Buha, speculating on why Kessler or Turner make sense for the Lakers. It is not saying that any potential trade is being negotiated, nor that any leaks are coming from 'league sources'. It is a 'thought piece' on why either of those players would actually make sense.

There is nothing,... nothing,.... in the base article that says, what this headline says, or supports the pure speculation in the comment below on hoopshype, summarizing the article.

There are two hurdles with a Myles Turner deal. First, it’s unclear how available he truly is. Given his impending free agency, there is a sense around the league Turner is sneakily gettable and can be had for the right price. He’s going to be seeking a contract starting in the $30-plus million range annually, and the Pacers aren’t sure if they want to pay him that much, according to league sources. That has to be factored into this equation if the Lakers trade for him. Second, the Pacers would likely need a center in return. They are not an organization that tanks, and giving up their starting center without getting another would likely cause them to take a step back in the East.
Source: New York Times

Same link:

At least Sam Quinn puts his own name on it,... and says it's his belief, but there are not 'sources' on his take.

Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS

I’ve seen the Myles Turner rumors. I understand the Myles Turner rumors. I am not refuting the Myles Turner rumors.
I just need someone to tell me what Indiana’s plan at center is if they trade Myles Turner, because their current depth chart screams “don’t trade Myles Turner.” – 6:12 PM

[Wizop]

Title: myles-turner-seeking-a-contract-in-the-30-million-plus-range-that-pacers-dont-want-to-pay.

Isn't the consensus here that what the Pacers don't want to pay is tax and not that they don't want to pay Turner his market value?

[boomershadow]

Title: myles-turner-seeking-a-contract-in-the-30-million-plus-range-that-pacers-dont-want-to-pay.

Isn't the consensus here that what the Pacers don't want to pay is tax and not that they don't want to pay Turner his market value?

That isn't click baity enough of a title, but yes.

[8305]

Anyone else seeing Thomas Bryant being a significant downgrade from Isaiah Jackson?

[JMaster5K]

Anyone else seeing Thomas Bryant being a significant downgrade from Isaiah Jackson?

I don't think Bryant is so much of a 'down grade' as a different player? We do miss I-Jax defense. No Question. He is also a better rebounder/minute than Bryant. But, Bryant is a much better offensive player that fits the same game-plan/style of play that we see from Myles. Ideally,.. I'd love to have both of them. Bryant would actually fill in for Myles with the first team more than I-Jax (at least while Pascal is on the floor.), with I-Jax probably playing similar minutes with the second unit for rim-defense & rebounding (or sub minutes when Pascal is off the floor.)

First column below is I-Jax, second is Bryant.

Overall Stats
5 G 49
7.0 PTS/G 6.9
5.6 TR/G 4.1
1.0 AST/G 1.0
0.6 STL/G 0.4
1.6 BLK/G 0.6
.609 FG% .524
---- 3P% .352
.500 FT% .826
.609 eFG% .601
0.6 BPM 1.3
0.1 VORP 0.6

[Wizop]

If we're forced to deal Obi, we could try to play them together. But I'm not expecting much from Jackson and I wouldn't be shocked if he is unsigned.

[Pacers Forever]

Anyone else seeing Thomas Bryant being a significant downgrade from Isaiah Jackson?

Goga was very much a mystery why he couldn’t evolve into a better player until he joined the Magic.

Stix was a decent filler but I watch his stats for the Bulls and he seems to be a 5 rebound 10 point a game player and nothing more. I thought he could do better.

I miss Isiah Jackson and his jumping jack defense. Fair rebounder but rim protection is his specialty like Myles. I think he was going to show an improved offensive game this season but injury stopped us from seeing that. I think he runs best with the second team led by McConnell. Not a starter.

I saw Wiseman in the pre season and he was very good offensively in the paint and was rebounding well. Defense I didn’t see that evolve so I’m not sure how much he could have contributed to this team. Pretty sure he would have been 3rd string.

Moses Brown was too inconsistent and definitely not the answer in his short time with the team.

Okafor not ready for the Pacers needs.

Enrique Freeman was a center in college but is too small for an NBA center position. I’m guessing he gets developed into a power forward.

Thomas Bryant is such a different player. Fair rebounder and has a decent 3 point shot. I’ve been impressed with his short jumpers which I’ve seen him hit consistently. Less impressed with his ability to finish under the rim.

In summary I don’t see a replacement happening for Myles next season with free agency sparse, unless a trade happens.

With his familiarity I favor Isiah Jackson coming back to be Myles back up. I’m not sure if we should re-sign Bryant, try to draft a second round center, or revisit Wiseman ?

At one time I thought it might be better to run with less $$$ tied up by not re-signing Myles and adding a star player to play with Tyrese and Pascal. That would mean pushing either Nesmith or Nembhard to the second unit.

Looking at the available free agents next season to add a star caliber player is not exciting. I only see John Collins, Josh Giddey, and second unit type fillers. Not a strong free agency option for the Pacers. So sign Myles, trade or develop our young roster it appears.

[Wizop]

I draft a center if it isn't a reach. I assume Jackson won't be fully himself.

[Pacers Forever]

I draft a center if it isn't a reach. I assume Jackson won't be fully himself.

I assume that the Pacers can get him back because of his being injured and the interest in him might be low and he could be at a very low salary. I think the Pacers would pay him fairly and know him better than other teams.

I looked at a mock draft and it’s odd that the Pacers only have the 21st pick and a late second round pick. I’ve been so used to having multiple picks in the second round. Possible center available from Georgetown in the first round if they choose to look that early.

[Wizop]

Possible center available from Georgetown in the first round if they choose to look that early.

I saw Sorber against Butler. I said I wanted a center but Sorber is my dream pick even though I think he's a big 4.

[JMaster5K]

I draft a center if it isn't a reach. I assume Jackson won't be fully himself.

I assume that the Pacers can get him back because of his being injured and the interest in him might be low and he could be at a very low salary. I think the Pacers would pay him fairly and know him better than other teams.

I looked at a mock draft and it’s odd that the Pacers only have the 21st pick and a late second round pick. I’ve been so used to having multiple picks in the second round. Possible center available from Georgetown in the first round if they choose to look that early.

IMO, this could be a really good draft for us? It is fairly deep in rotation or better level talent. 2 sources that I try to keep any eye on,... Tankathon is way more stats based. The guy from NBADraftRoom usually actually sees, in some form, the guys he rates, and has comparisons on their potential at the NBA level, that have been fairly accurate over the past several years.

https://www.tankathon.com/mock_draft

https://nbadraftroom.com/2025-nba-mock-draft/

There seem to be a number of bigs & big wings at most tiers in this draft, any of which could help the Pacers,... Big Wings = Asa Newell - a Derrick McKey type of player, PF in college, but likely a CF in league / Carter Bryant / Noa Essengue / Adou Thiero / ???

Bigs,.. seemed a bit sparse before the season, but Sorber (if he is actually long enough for C-f) / Danny Wolf - now looks like an NBA athlete, much more fluid than expected / Rasheer Fleming - a bit small for a 5, but has an athletic- strength comparison to Antonio Davis,... with a jump shot / Alex Condon - more of a backup C-F,.. but has length & NBA feet,.. need to show strength & athleticism.

It is going to be interesting,... with Drew now locked in at the 2,.. could even see us going with a CG - if somebody drops & that is the top talent available,... who can fill in for Tyrese, when he is out,.. so that we don't have to keep switching Drew,.. to keep TJ coming off the bench where he is so effective.

There are still a LOT of questions to be answered before we get to June,... but this is more promising than usual.

Was actually looking at our depth chart last night in comparison to Buck, Knicks, Cavs, Celtics,.... Our guys really do play at their best,... and as a team. In just pure talent terms, position by position,... IMO, we mostly aren't on the level of those others teams,... but we compete. When I take a step back,.. and look at who is playing talent vs talent,... our players and our coaches have really done an outstanding job over the last 2 years. They have been way more successful, than I would have guessed just looking at rosters. But, that could just be me?

[Pacers Forever]

I draft a center if it isn't a reach. I assume Jackson won't be fully himself.

I assume that the Pacers can get him back because of his being injured and the interest in him might be low and he could be at a very low salary. I think the Pacers would pay him fairly and know him better than other teams.

I looked at a mock draft and it’s odd that the Pacers only have the 21st pick and a late second round pick. I’ve been so used to having multiple picks in the second round. Possible center available from Georgetown in the first round if they choose to look that early.

IMO, this could be a really good draft for us? It is fairly deep in rotation or better level talent. 2 sources that I try to keep any eye on,... Tankathon is way more stats based. The guy from NBADraftRoom usually actually sees, in some form, the guys he rates, and has comparisons on their potential at the NBA level, that have been fairly accurate over the past several years.

https://www.tankathon.com/mock_draft

https://nbadraftroom.com/2025-nba-mock-draft/

There seem to be a number of bigs & big wings at most tiers in this draft, any of which could help the Pacers,... Big Wings = Asa Newell - a Derrick McKey type of player, PF in college, but likely a CF in league / Carter Bryant / Noa Essengue / Adou Thiero / ???

Bigs,.. seemed a bit sparse before the season, but Sorber (if he is actually long enough for C-f) / Danny Wolf - now looks like an NBA athlete, much more fluid than expected / Rasheer Fleming - a bit small for a 5, but has an athletic- strength comparison to Antonio Davis,... with a jump shot / Alex Condon - more of a backup C-F,.. but has length & NBA feet,.. need to show strength & athleticism.

It is going to be interesting,... with Drew now locked in at the 2,.. could even see us going with a CG - if somebody drops & that is the top talent available,... who can fill in for Tyrese, when he is out,.. so that we don't have to keep switching Drew,.. to keep TJ coming off the bench where he is so effective.

There are still a LOT of questions to be answered before we get to June,... but this is more promising than usual.

Was actually looking at our depth chart last night in comparison to Buck, Knicks, Cavs, Celtics,.... Our guys really do play at their best,... and as a team. In just pure talent terms, position by position,... IMO, we mostly aren't on the level of those others teams,... but we compete. When I take a step back,.. and look at who is playing talent vs talent,... our players and our coaches have really done an outstanding job over the last 2 years. They have been way more successful, than I would have guessed just looking at rosters. But, that could just be me?

I agree with you that our young talent and bench players play well in the system implemented by our coaching staff. It’s a sum of the parts deal where they are successful because of everyone buying in and contributing in their own way. The coaches have done well.

I also don’t feel we have the best talent on our bench currently, however a big part of that is because our youth is still developing and our even younger g league eligible players are very raw.

So(for example)in the future Sheppard should turn into more than just an energy guy who currently can defend and rebound most games. I’m sure he’s working on his shot becoming more consistent and probably working on building strength. I like what he’s capable of becoming and appreciate what he provides currently but he will improve to become a more productive player.

[JMaster5K]

I assume that the Pacers can get him back because of his being injured and the interest in him might be low and he could be at a very low salary. I think the Pacers would pay him fairly and know him better than other teams.

I looked at a mock draft and it’s odd that the Pacers only have the 21st pick and a late second round pick. I’ve been so used to having multiple picks in the second round. Possible center available from Georgetown in the first round if they choose to look that early.

Was actually looking at our depth chart last night in comparison to Buck, Knicks, Cavs, Celtics,.... Our guys really do play at their best,... and as a team. In just pure talent terms, position by position,... IMO, we mostly aren't on the level of those others teams,... but we compete. When I take a step back,.. and look at who is playing talent vs talent,... our players and our coaches have really done an outstanding job over the last 2 years. They have been way more successful, than I would have guessed just looking at rosters. But, that could just be me?

I agree with you that our young talent and bench players play well in the system implemented by our coaching staff. It’s a sum of the parts deal where they are successful because of everyone buying in and contributing in their own way. The coaches have done well.

I also don’t feel we have the best talent on our bench currently, however a big part of that is because our youth is still developing and our even younger g league eligible players are very raw.

So(for example)in the future Sheppard should turn into more than just an energy guy who currently can defend and rebound most games. I’m sure he’s working on his shot becoming more consistent and probably working on building strength. I like what he’s capable of becoming and appreciate what he provides currently but he will improve to become a more productive player.

I agree with you. Shep is actually a very good, + to near elite level NBA athlete,.. He just isn't vertically explosive, at least from the combine testing. If he gets the confidence in his game at this level, that he showed in college,... He's a legit starter level SG.

If all of our youth develops,... into even 85-90% of their potential,... Wow! Tyrese is only 24. Shep is 23,.. Drew is a year older at 25, as is Aaron. (Hard to believe that Nesmith is just 25!) Benn is 22, Jarace 21. It would be really fun to see that happen. That 'potential team' 2-3 years from now,.. could be dominating. I guess I just had that realization, that it isn't the case now, & realistically,.. I'm actually impressed with us fighting for a 4, 5, or 6 in the East this year.

Gonna enjoy the outcome no matter how the rest of the season turns out. =}

[Scoot McGroot]

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[Scoot McGroot]

Pacers signed Bradley to a deal for this year and next year. Team option for next year, and non gtd if the option is picked up. Total team control.

[Wizop]

we'll know soon, but I'm thinking Bradley gets that 15th spot at least for this year. next year could be a team option.

I had this right.

[Scoot McGroot]

we'll know soon, nbut I'm thinking Bradley gets that 15th spot at least for this year. next year could be a team option.

I had this right.

Yup. I’d venture to say that, in this case, the extra year for next year makes him infinitely less likely to make training camp, and moreso the roster. Only one year deals are compensated by the league down to the equivalent of a 2 year vet. It’s why Wiseman, despite being on a vet minimum, counted for a couple hundred thousand more than James Johnson against the tax. And, if Bradley gets injured in camp, he’d be gtd until he’s healthy (as multi year deals like this can’t have injury protections).

This has become Ted Wu’s thing here (Wiseman, Moses, and now Bradley have all gotten similar contractual setups).