The Indiana Pacers have managed to hold their own against the stacked Eastern Conference this season. However, it’s apparent they need to make some more adjustments to solidify a playoff spot since they are currently ninth in the division with a 20-23 slate.
The Pacers have gone 5-5 in their last 10 games, as the injury bug has derailed their hot start in the new campaign.
First-time head coach Nate Bjorkgren is still learning the ropes since assuming the role and is still finding the right formula to maximize his youthful but deep rotation.
While they do need some upgrades on some areas, Indiana does not exactly need to hunt for some big-game talent right now. The team is talented enough to contend and just needs some complementary pieces to the group they have right now.
Unlike other squads who need Hail Marys just to save their season, the Pacers do not exactly need to gut their existing core. Their earlier acquisition of Caris LeVert has been paying dividends so far. However, they do need an assurance player based on his lengthy injury history.
The underrated duo of Domantas Sabonis and Malcolm Brogdon has been terrific, but Indy still needs more dependable players off the bench when these two take a breather.
Injured scorer TJ Warren may be out for a while, so trading for that fourth impact player is a must.
Myles Turner and Jeremy Lamb are reportedly their two best trade assets of the moment and could still fetch some valuable returns in the right deal.
Pacers need another solid wing player
As mentioned, the Pacers are actually pretty deep even in the event that they deal with Turner and Lamb before the deadline.
Turner has been the ultimate defensive force for the Pacers, but it seems they really want to give Sabonis more space to operate by moving on from him. A lot of contenders will pay top dollar for a rim protector of Turner’s caliber.
But as mentioned, it won’t be wise to chase for another go-to scorer and risk destroying the chemistry that their current group already built. They could flip Turner or perhaps Lamb for another capable wing player who can be plugged into their system right away.
The Pacers could target two possible studs from the Nuggets, as they can’t go wrong with either Michael Porter Jr. or Will Barton. MPJ, obviously, has all the potential in the world and could be another building block for the future for Indy.
Barton, although a tad older at 30, is already an established two-way player with playoff experience. HE can be a vocal leader for a talented yet inexperienced Pacers team looking to spoil the party for other Eastern Conference teams.
Cedi Osman from the Cavs is another swingman reportedly up for grabs which Indy could take a closer look at. There’s also Devonte’ Graham, whose role for the Hornets diminished this season. The combo guard could act as another playmaker and capable shooter for this Pacers team loaded with snipers.
If the Pacers don’t mind getting a project player, then Cam Reddish’s name should also be considered. The Hawks guard has shown glimpses of potential from time to time but has yet to get his big break so far.
Cheaper options like Troy Brown from the Wizards or even a veteran shooter like Wayne Ellington can add more depth for their second-unit.
