Summer Idea: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

[HurricaneDij25]

Before I begin my idea, I want to make the important reminder to everyone here that just because we'll have cap space this coming offseason doesn't mean we have to use it.

With nothing to lose, we may as well swing for the fences with LeBron James in hopes that he'll want to stay in the midwest, and if Thad opts out I wouldn't mind pursuing backup PF options Trevor Booker and Amir Johnson (both of the Philadelphia 76ers). However, the likes of RFA's Jabari Parker and Marcus Smart do absolutely nothing for me. And It's important to note that we pursue the right free agent with this upcoming cap space and not just any free agent.

Back to my idea:

Charlotte seems to be stuck in NBA purgatory right now...MKG and Batum are virtually duplicates of one another, and with Batum's contract just about untradeable, it may be coming time for a change of scenery for the former #2 pick MKG after six years.

Kidd-Gilchrist could transform our defense, even if he were to split minutes with Bojan. We could offer them Cory Joseph and a second rounder, or if Joseph opts out we could offer them a straight up protected first-rounder.

Any thoughts?

[winter_mute_13]

MKG and Batum are NOT virtual duplicates. MKG can't shoot for one thing. Batum is a good shooter and playmaker - generally a very good all-around player. In a vaccum, I'd definitely prefer Batum. But yes, his contract is atrocious. He's also nearly 30 (5 years older than MKG).

That said, I wouldn't mind going after MKG if we can get him for a cheap price. He'll be a liability on offense, but I think we have the big man shooters to make it work. And yes, he could transform our defense. So sure, he's an option.

For free agency, I'd go after Marcus Smart, who actually shares many qualities with MKG (including an inability to shoot, LOL). His RFA status makes it tricky though, but perhaps Boston will renounce him if they need the cap space to go after bigger name FAs.

[Wizop]

what's our timeline? is next year the time to swing for the fences ? now if someone opts out and becomes unaffordable, a free agent may be necessary. otherwise I try to keep our core together and build through the draft.

one caveat, I don't know if GR3 will prove to belong or demand starter's money.

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[Pacersike]

All it takes is 1 crazy GM to make it difficult to re-sign GR3, so yeah, I'm definitely interested in MKG.

He is expiring though and Charlotte isn't going anywhere, so Batum could be an option too while we try to develop a SF.

[SmashMouthRod]

I wouldn't want an offensive liability on this team. The upside of this squad is that all five starters can knock down the three. MKG kills that. I would be more interested in Jabari Parker if Milwaukee doesn't resign him. He can shoot and score from anywhere on the floor. Combine him with Victor and you take a lot of pressure off Myles. He is still young with upside. Injury prone but may overcome them at some point like Stephen curry. Could sign at a bargain prove it price similar to Tyrese Evans or Sefolosha this past off-season.

[Jake0890]

Yeah, I'm not sure MKG's game fits real well with this team, let alone the modern NBA.

He's a non-floor spacing defensive specialist who is essentially a zero on offense a lot of the time. With the passing we have on this team, especially from our big men, I'd like to see the addition of more floor spacers not fewer.

[8305]

Batum would be a near perfect fit in this Pacer squad. He is literly Derrick McKey with a shot. I could see where age and contract would tell you ........No.

My take on him is better shooter, passer and a more versitle defender than Thad.
Significant upgrade defensively that Bogdonovich.

Thad, Jefferson and some kind of protected first for Batum. It would be tempting for me.

[Pacers_Freak]

I'm not a MKG fan. I think one reason our offense is so successful right now is that everyone on the floor can knock down a shot. Put MKG on the floor and we lose or spacing. I would pass.

[pizza guy]

Before I begin my idea, I want to make the important reminder to everyone here that just because we'll have cap space this coming offseason doesn't mean we have to use it.

With nothing to lose, we may as well swing for the fences with LeBron James in hopes that he'll want to stay in the midwest, and if Thad opts out I wouldn't mind pursuing backup PF options Trevor Booker and Amir Johnson (both of the Philadelphia 76ers). However, the likes of RFA's Jabari Parker and Marcus Smart do absolutely nothing for me. And It's important to note that we pursue the right free agent with this upcoming cap space and not just any free agent.

Back to my idea:

Charlotte seems to be stuck in NBA purgatory right now...MKG and Batum are virtually duplicates of one another, and with Batum's contract just about untradeable, it may be coming time for a change of scenery for the former #2 pick MKG after six years.

Kidd-Gilchrist could transform our defense, even if he were to split minutes with Bojan. We could offer them Cory Joseph and a second rounder, or if Joseph opts out we could offer them a straight up protected first-rounder.

Any thoughts?

I'm fully aware of how ludicrous this idea is, but if we finish the season the way we're playing and have a good show in the playoffs, my first phone call would be LeBron. The odds are probably less than 0.00001%, but ya never know unless you ask. All those times he's personally eliminated the Pacers, it'd be something to see him in Blue & Gold.

[Jake0890]

I could use a Kyle Korver....