Assessing the future of each current Pacer
By TYLER SMITH (@TylerSmith_ISL)
ISL Editor
INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Pacers look quite a bit different than they did when the season started. And they could be receiving another roster makeover this summer. At the same time, there are plenty of players on the current squad that could be part of the long-term future. Here are my thoughts on each player and how I view their fit on this team.
Tyrese Haliburton-
Several weeks later, and I’m still in shock the Pacers were able to land Haliburton. He’s the one guy that is guaranteed to be in the starting lineup next season, and beyond. He’s signed for three more years, and will then be a restricted free agent (Pacers can match any offer he receives and keep him). So he’s going to be in Indy for a very long time. I think Haliburton has All-Star potential, and has the personality and drive to build around. Can he be the top player on a winning team? That remains to be seen. But I believe he’s a winning player and he can be part of something special in the coming years.
Malcolm Brogdon-
When the Pacers acquired Haliburton, fans assumed Brogdon would be on his way out this summer. But when I listen to Rick Carlisle, I’m not so sure. He’s called Brogdon “the best all-around player” on the team, and has said he’s “exactly what the Pacers need.” Is he trying to raise his trade value? It’s possible. But to me, it really does sound like Carlisle loves him and wants him here. Personally, I’m with the majority of fans on this one: I think he should be traded. It’s not that I don’t think he can work with Haliburton. It’s more about his ability to stay on the court. And I believe Haliburton needs the ball in his hands. Let’s simplify things and let Haliburton run this show. I’ll be paying close attention to Malcolm Brogdon rumors on draft night.
Myles Turner-
(Whatever I say here can and will be used against me from half the fan base.)
I want to see how Myles Turner fits with this new-look Pacers squad. I still think he brings plenty of value moving forward, whether his offense improves or not in the absence of Domantas Sabonis. This team has been far below average on the defensive end, and Turner clearly helps in that area. I’d still be listening to offers for him this summer. But I’m not giving Myles Turner up for pennies.
TJ Warren-
Who?
I said it, so you didn’t have to.
Here’s the thing about Warren: If you want him gone because you can’t trust his health, I don’t blame you. But… IF he finally gets back on the court next year and starts balling out for another team (and for cheap), it won’t be fun to watch. Sources say he would like to stay in Indiana. The Pacers had dreams of making him their stretch-4. IF he would accept a cheap deal to stay, I would still be extremely tempted. They’ve got cap space. To me, he would fit what they’d like to do. And I could still see it working out. If he gets a big offer from somewhere else, though? I’d feel differently in that scenario.
Buddy Hield-
This one is interesting. Buddy Hield has been very solid as a Pacer. And in a league that is so driven by the 3-point shot, he’s been one of the best in the game over the years. At the same time, he makes a lot of money and may or may not want to come off the bench. If he would accept a role on the second unit, I would love his skill-set here. I don’t believe this team would be set up to win if Hield is a full-time starter.
Isaiah Jackson-
This is another player who will definitely be here next season. Kevin Pritchard knocked the most recent draft out of the park, and Jackson has a very bright future. The only question is: What will his role be? I can’t wait to see how Turner and Jackson fit together. Though I see Jackson as a future starter, I’d like to see him with the second unit next season, and playing a ton of minutes. Once he learns how to stay out of foul trouble and continues to grow his game- watch out.
Chris Duarte-
Duarte’s role will largely be tied to the next draft, in my opinion. I know a lot of fans have penciled him into the future starting lineup alongside Haliburton, but I’m not fully convinced that will be the case. If the Pacers use their top draft pick on a guard? I could definitely see Duarte coming off the bench. And to me, that’s not a bad thing. Winning teams are deep and have a 6th-man that can get buckets. Duarte is definitely a piece of the future. But we’ll see what his exact role becomes in his second season.
Goga Bitadze-
I still maintain the thought that Goga can be a decent backup in this league. But if he’s still here, I’d feel more comfortable if he was the 3rd string. He’s signed for another year for cheap, so it might make sense to hold onto for another year and have him fill that role. Maybe his recent play would give him a little trade value, but I doubt it. He’s a curious case that ends up making you scratch your head more than be impressed. No matter what happens, I don’t think Goga will be in Indiana for long.
Oshae Brissett-
One of the only bright spots of last season.. Oshae has carried that over and solidified himself as a rotational asset at the very least. Could he be the starter at the four? I doubt it. But he has certainly looked like a dude on some nights this season. Ideally, he’s another guy that fills out a wonderful second-unit, with the ability to start if someone is out.
Lance Stephenson-
Lance the trilogy has been fun to watch. Several fans will argue that he doesn’t fit this team moving forward. But I still see a role here, and we’ve already had to say goodbye to him too many times. Stephenson has played well this season. His Per-36 minute stats: 17.9 points, 7.1 assists, and 5.6 rebounds. He wants to be here and won’t cost a lot to retain. I could see him filling a combo guard role off the bench next season, with the ability to step in for more minutes when guys are injured. Lance belongs here, and I hope they find a way to keep him around.
Jalen Smith-
Unfortunately, Smith will be hard for the Pacers to keep. They are very limited on what they can offer him specifically this summer, and I’m sure there will be plenty of teams calling his agent. I would love for Smith to be part of the Pacers future, but at this point, it doesn’t seem likely.
Duane Washington Jr.-
Washington Jr. has been streaky this season, but he looks like an NBA player to me. He may end up being one of the odd-men out, because the Pacers can’t keep everybody. But I would love to see Washington Jr. as the 3rd string point-guard next season.
Terry Taylor-
Taylor is averaging 11.5 rebounds per-36 minutes this season. He’s been another great find by Kevin Pritchard and company. I don’t know if he has a role next season, if the Pacers do what I think they will do this summer. But if they have the roster space, he would be a great guy to keep around. I know he will stay ready and produce in whatever opportunity he is given.
TJ McConnell-
There are a lot of factors when it comes to McConnell’s future with the team. Is Malcolm Brogdon still here? Do the Pacers see what they can get for TJ via trade? It’s easier for fans to write guys off that aren’t playing. But we know Pritchard loves McConnell, and McConnell loves being a Pacer. I could be wrong, but my gut tells me McConnell returns and remains the primary backup point-guard.
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