Updated: 6/3/2024
Free Agents:
Obi Toppin, RFA
Isaiah Wong, RFA
James Johnson, UFA
Pascal Siakam, UFA
Doug McDermott, UFA
2023-24 Season Overview:
The Pacers had an excellent 2023 season. On one note, they traded for Pascal Siakam. Additionally, Tyrese Haliburton became a superstar, and they found some very nice rotation pieces. These things helped Indiana to land the sixth seed, where they were eight wins from a championship. The Pacers got hot at the right time, and with injuries, they actually beat the Bucks and the Knicks, but then got whipped by the Celtics. Haliburton and Siakam are stars, and the Pacers are a legitimate team.
Holes:
Defensive Guard
A scorer at the three
Defensive big man
Offseason Goals
Obviously, the franchise’s first move is giving Siakam a max contract, which will be an overpay, but it’s Indiana, which means the club has to overpay free agents. It won’t be a pretty contract, but the Pacers cannot afford to lose him. Second, they should look to deal Myles Turner for some defense because Turner simply lacks the size to truly help as a defender. I’d trade him for Mitchell Robinson if another asset or two was thrown in. The Pacers have three second-round picks, but no first-rounders, so really they have little chance of improving via the 2024 NBA Draft. They then should sign their free agents because they fit, but should let Toppin leave if he gets a big restricted sheet from another team. The Pacers should return the majority of the team again for next year.
Potential 2024-25 Roster
PG: Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, Isaiah Wong
SG: Bennedict Mathurin, T.J. McConnell, Doug McDermott, Ben Sheppard
SF: Aaron Nesmith, James Johnson
PF: Pascal Siakam, Jarace Walker
C: Mitchell Robinson, Jalen Smith, Isaiah Jackson
Mike Elworth's 2023 NBA Mock Draft
Mike Elworth's 2024 NBA Mock Draft
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