Despite losing Victor Oladipo early last season, the Indiana Pacers still managed to make it to the playoffs. They lost to the Celtics in 4, but each game was competitive and close. Now that Oladipo is back, along with some new faces and a weak Eastern Conference, the Pacers look to make another push to the playoffs.
Key Additions: Malcolm Brogdon, Jeremy Lamb, Justin Holiday, TJ Warren
Getting Malcolm Brogdon this offseason is a solid move for the Pacers. Last season, Brogdon became just the eighth player in NBA history to join the 50-40-90 club (at least 50% from the field, 40% from three, and 90% from the free-throw line). I personally thought the Pacers should have traded for former Memphis Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley, but Brogdon will be a great fit next to Oladipo.
Lamb and Holiday each bring something a little unique. Lamb can be a decent option off the bench. I think he’ll just be happy to be on a winning organization for once in his professional career. Holiday brings defense to the squad. He shows flashes of scoring, but defense will be his ticket to minutes with the Pacers. Warren is another scoring option that can immediately have an impact on the court. Like Lamb, Warren was wasting away in a poorly run franchise. He should thrive with Indiana.
Key Losses: Thaddeus Young, Bojan Bogdanovic
Though the losses of Young and Bogdanovic initially hurt, their blow was softened by who they were replaced with. Granted, the size of Young wasn’t necessarily replaced, but the scoring and defense were. The Pacers will be just fine.
Potential Starting Lineup: Brogdon, Oladipo, Warren, Sabonis, Turner
Domantas Sabonis has played mostly a backup role in his short NBA career but putting alongside Myles Turner could make for an intimidating duo down low. The bench has some questions, but this team’s strengths outweigh some weaknesses.
Projected Wins: 50
50 wins could place the Pacers anywhere from the 5th or 3rd seed in the playoffs. With everyone healthy, the Indiana Pacers are a top 10 team in the NBA, there’s no doubt. Oladipo is the complete package. If he can get back to how he played before his injury, or play as good as he sings, then the rest of the NBA is in trouble.
