In a year where the Indiana Pacers were ready to make significant changes, it was mostly a stagnant offseason. Indiana struck out on Gordon Hayward and failed to trade Victor Oladipo. Outside of a coaching change, Indiana will bring back much of the same group. What can we expect from the Pacers as the 2021 season inches closer?
Key Additions: Jalen Lecque, Kelan Martin, Cassius Stanley
It was a quiet offseason for the Pacers. Jalen Lecque was a throw in after Indiana dumped TJ Leaf in a salary dump to Oklahoma City. Former Butler standout Kelan Martin returns to Indiana.
Cassius Stanley was the Pacers 2nd round pick. They did not have a first round pick after giving it up in the Malcolm Brogdon sign and trade. You’re all caught up now if you lived under a rock during the offseason.
Key Departures: TJ Leaf
TJ Leaf is a bust and has failed to even look like an NBA player to this point. Indiana moved on after three NBA seasons.
Starting Lineup: Malcolm Brogdon, Victor Oladipo, TJ Warren, Domantas Sabonis, Myles Turner
The exact same team has returned so the starting 5 of Brogdon, Oladipo, Warren, Sabonis, and Turner seems to be locked in. It’s still not a perfect lineup. Indiana would be better off trading one of Turner and Sabonis while then turning Warren into a stretch 4. The Pacers were a 5 seed and will likely be a middle of the pack team in the East again.
Season Outlook:
Doesn’t it feel like a trade is coming? We know what the Pacers are at this point. It’s why Nate McMillan got fired. Too much mediocrity. Oladipo isn’t happy and the front court is an imperfect fit. Indiana doesn’t have any star power. Just a bunch of solid starters capable of making the playoffs. Unless a trade comes, it will be more of the same for Indiana.
