Offseason Needs
Indiana’s front office has many important decisions to make. The first is what direction they want to go. The Pacers have a few options, given their current financial situation. They could keep the status quo with a few additions, trade a few role players in a big swing, trade draft picks for an All-Star player, or start a semi-rebuild around Haliburton and Zubac.
The Pacers’ intentions will likely be determined after the draft lottery. The Pacers may not have their first-round pick in June. They sent the selection to the Los Angeles Clippers as part of the Zubac trade, with conditions. If the pick lands anywhere between No.5 and No.9, the Clippers will own the selection. Otherwise, the Pacers get to keep it. The Pacers have a 52% chance of keeping their pick and a 14% shot at landing the No. 1 overall selection.
Currently, the roster is presently constructed, the Pacers’ biggest need is a big wing defender who can defend 1 through 4. The Pacers only true two-way player is Nesmith.
The Pacers’ second-biggest need is a secondary playmaker, as McConnell is getting older and Nembhard is better off the ball. Specifically, the Pacers need someone who can play both guard spots and create their own shot, or someone who is a big lead guard who can orchestrate the second unit.
The Pacers could also use a stretch-4 who rebounds off the bench. They also need to improve their physical toughness and defense.
