Perfectly Positioned Pacers

The Pacers’ season is over after choosing not to participate in the playoffs this season. In response, the NBA is awarding the pacers with a top pick this season, which is nice, but seem slightly unnecessary for the best team in the NBA. When The Cleveland Cavaliers tried to give us their first-round pick as well, but the Pacers said, “nah fam, you need all the help you can get next season”. With the Central Division loading up the past few years trying to deal with this Pacers dominance. The Bulls and Bucks have been trading and signing all-stars while the Cavs and Pistons have been adding top draft picks. Obvious signs of fear of the Pacers. Are the pacers really in a rebuild or were they playing 3d chess while everyone else was playing basketball this season?

The Pacers could fuck around and not pick at the draft, and they would be perfectly fine. Every addition will be like playing with house money. Tyrese Haliburton, Chris Duarte, and Isaiah Jackson make up the future core for the pacers, excelling at the offensive end like a Dave Chapelle stand up special. There’s nothing in my mind that would bring the pacers to terms with moving any of these three. Then there is Oshae Brissett, Duane Washington, and Terry Taylor are the hidden gems ready to prove themselves next season. The security for the players comes from the fact that the value they provide isn’t understood by other teams yet. They have all choosen to learn the hard way counting these three out. The likes of these six players are crucial to the inevitable dynasty Herb Simon is building on and of the Court. I wouldn’t expect them to go anywhere any time soon.

There is also a faction of very good basketball players in their late 20’s that analytic nerds may call “old” on this team that could all be perfect in creative roles. Be prepared to hear plenty of trade rumors for Pacers players, nothing new. Everyone always wants our players because they are so freaking good. Like the Russell Westbrook rumors, porta-potties after the Indy 500 are less full of crap then those “reports”.

Malcom Brogdon – Carlisle likes his presence on the team and vehemently comments on how important what he brings to the table is. With allegations of being a coach killer coming out of the woodwork after the Nate 2 departure, Carlisle’s outspoken praise is interesting. A Coach that Malcom gets along with could be beneficial for all parties involved. His health will always be an issue when accessing his future with the team. Outside of basketball, Malcom is making a positive impact on the world in many ways, making him quite easy to support. His best games all came when he was playing alongside Oladipo. Maybe the same will prove true when playing next to Tyrese.

Buddy Hield – The best 3-point shooter to wear a pacers jersey since Reggie Miller. Uh-oh Paul George, if you’re reading this, you better come back to the Pacers and prove me wrong. I can see Buddy having a future here. He can be an absolute flamethrower from beyond the arc. Right now his contract is quite workable with this roster. He’s known for his availability as well. Those are all areas the pacers need to focus on, so Buddy hanging around for at least another season makes a whole lot of sense.

Myles Turner – everyone knows what Myles does. He either makes you happy or makes you mad while he makes Legos. Not to dig on Myles having hobbies, have you seen his Lego collection it is IMPRESSIVE. That’s just to say he doesn’t give a shit about what people think. Which I find reassuring his confidence is on the rise, so don’t be surprised when his game rises as well. He’s incredibly useful for plenty of teams including the Pacers. He’ll be highly sought after by many teams; will he be extended (eligible July 1st) or will the reins be handed to Isaiah Jackson? That’ll be something very important to see play out.

TJ warren – The wing depth of the pacers has been lacking since the bubble, when TJ was the best basketball player in the galaxy for a moment. Since he’s been dealing with foot issue, he has faded into the idea that it was almost a fluke, like the Lakers bubble ring. I don’t hold that to be true at all. If there’s a chance to bring TJ Warren to stay on a 1 year “prove it” deal, I’ll write the dang contract myself. I’m not sure either side would appreciate that.

Lance Stephenson – Not in his late 20’s but with the spirit of a toddler on a sugar rush so cancelling out meaning lance isn’t old. The Born Ready, born again, again Pacer will be a UFA this offseason, this time it seems the tables have turned, both times Lance has had a chance to resign with the pacers in the past, he has turned it down for other destinations. Will the front office turn another cheek and sign Lance, or will the trilogy come to an end in lack luster fashion?

TJ McConnell – TJ came back to play the final 2 games, to get a chance to garner some chemistry with Tyrese and others. He was being left open beyond the arch almost every single time he didn’t have the ball. If he can take a step or two in his 3-point percentage, he’ll be feasting on open looks until teams start to guard him out there. Maybe if he takes a running start and jumps from behind the arc, more of a super long layup, could help. His crafty ball handling, court vision and sneaky defense will always be a benefit, but if he can’t make his open shots, it will be hard for Carlisle to keep TJ on the court.

Then there’s Goga – can’t keep waiting for him to blossom. Maybe time to abandon the Goga project.

The point of it all is that this team has a violent amount of potential, and everyone in the league should be more worried about the pacers then they already are. Carlisle has a clear vision for this team 3-point shooting and alley oops, excitement and athleticism. Defense will come when the team plays together more. This team, this coaching staff, and this front office aren’t used to losing and won’t make a habit out it. With plenty of rest this season, and the fiery ambition of youth injected in the team the past two years, I see no problem with this team making no moves and ripping off a 60-win season.

Maybe noticing the absence of Jalen Smith, that requires much more words than small blurbs.

More on that soon.

Jhaq

 edit: i honestly kind of forgot about ricky rubio but yah put him in with the goga project.