The Indiana Pacers have now made the Eastern Conference Finals nine times in franchise history. Only once have they been able to advance to the NBA Finals. That came in 2000 where they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in six games.
This marks an important off-season for Indiana, as there are many who are skeptical that they can have as much success next season as they did in 2023-24.
Season Recap
The Pacers exceeded all expectations by reaching the Eastern Conference Finals. They were swept once they got there, but they were right there in three of the four games. In mid-January, Indiana acquired a co-star alongside Tyrese Haliburton in Pascal Siakam. The 24-year-old Haliburton led the league in assists, averaging double-digits for the second straight season.
While nobody would consider the Pacers a good defensive team, they were a blur on the offensive end. They were second in the league in pace as well as second in offensive rating. Indiana was one of the rare teams last season to lead the league in field goal percentage but also finish last in field goal percentage against.
Last season was the first time they advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals since 2014. Yes, they advanced past injury-plagued Milwaukee Bucks and New York Knicks teams to get there, but the Pacers should be motivated to prove that it wasn’t a fluke by continuing to improve in the off-season.
Projected Cap Space And Draft Picks
Over The Cap
While it can’t yet be made official, the Pacers reportedly have agreed to a four-year, $189.5 million deal with Siakam. Indiana could have the $12.9 million non-tax midlevel exception, but that’s only if they don’t retain free agent Obi Toppin according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
36th, 49th, and 50th Overall Picks
Draft Targets
With three selections all in the second round, it will be difficult for the Pacers to find someone that can enter their rotation. There’s a strong likelihood that they may trade one (or more) of the picks as well.
If they do use the selections, they could look to add to their frontcourt depth. Johnson is an older prospect after spending five years in college (four at San Diego State, one at Arizona). He became a more aggressive scorer in his one season with the Wildcats and has always been a strong rebounder. Boma averaged 1.7 blocks during his two seasons at UCLA while shooting 62.1% from the field. Just 18 years old, Chomche averaged three blocks last season with NBA Academy Africa in three games. At 6-foot-10, Smith was one of the more reliable players on the last ever G League Ignite team.
Pending Free Agents And Possible Departures
Free Agents
- Quenton Jackson (Restricted/Two Way Contract)
- James Johnson (Unrestricted)
- Doug McDermott (Unrestricted)
- Jalen Smith (Player Option)
- Obi Toppin (Restricted)
- Oscar Tshiebwe (Restricted/Two Way Contract)
- Isaiah Wong (Restricted/Two Way Contract)
The most notable name on here is Toppin. The 26-year-old began the season as a starter before moving to a reserve role after Siakam was acquired. He thrived on the offensive end on the fast-paced team averaging a career-high 10.3 points along with career-best shooting numbers of 57.3% from the field and 40.3% from beyond the arc. With the team reportedly re-signing Siakam, it will be interesting to see how important it is for the team to retain Toppin. They also have Jarace Walker, the eighth overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, who is also a power forward. Indiana may want to see him in a larger role.
It has been reported that Smith will decline his player option of just shy of $5.5 million. The 24-year-old was part of the Pacers rotation all season, but in the playoffs, he was usurped by Isaiah Jackson in the rotation. McDermott can still shoot outside with the best of them, but he received little playing time in the postseason.
Trade Pieces
- Jarace Walker
- Draft Pick(s)
As mentioned, Walker was taken eighth overall in last year’s draft. Playing behind Toppin (and later Siakam as well), he appeared in just 33 games in the regular season. The 20-year-old only played 31 minutes in Indiana’s postseason run with it all coming in garbage time. If the Pacers bring back Toppin, it seems like Walker would again struggle for playing time.
Indiana could trade one of their three second round picks, even if it is for another second rounder in a future year.
Realistic Off-Season Targets
Trade
There hasn’t been much noise around potential trades involving the Pacers. Perhaps they look to pry Thybulle from the Portland Trail Blazers. While the 27-year-old has clear offensive limitations, he is one of the best wing defenders in the league. Indiana could surely use a defensive-minded piece, and they have enough offense for Thybulle to still have a role.
Bridges is listed here as “realistic” and would fit well as a two-way player, but the Brooklyn Nets don’t seem too keen on trading him at the moment. The Nets would expect a boatload back for him, and the Pacers just traded three first round picks for Siakam.
Free Agents
If Toppin is retained, Indiana likely won’t have the non-tax midlevel exception. That would leave them to bargain shopping in free agency. Zeller isn’t a sexy name at this stage of his career, but he can at least provide rebounding and interior depth. Maybe they take a flyer on Bamba who should come cheap. The sixth overall pick in 2018 is still looking to find his footing in the league. He is 26 years old.
Martin and Highsmith are two wings who can be high-quality defenders. They both played for the Miami Heat last season, and they may not be able to afford to bring both back. The problem is the Pacers this off-season likewise probably won’t be able to afford them without the non-tax midlevel exception.
