Subscribe
Follow Us
One could easily forget that the Indiana Pacers were the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference just two seasons ago. Their team was a formidable bunch despite being swept in the first round of the playoffs, but it has since been a free-fall for their franchise who have struggled the past two seasons. Domantas Sabonis has been the lone bright spot as a two-time All-Star in 2020 and 2021, but the rest of the roster has been disappointing.
One pleasant surprise for Indiana was acquiring Tyrese Haliburton for Sabonis as the centerpiece of the shocking deal a few weeks ago. Haliburton is a terrific cornerstone who has been fantastic along with Buddy Hield in their first few games donning the Pacers uniform. With Myles Turner still hurt, the young big men from Jalen Smith, Isaiah Jackson, and Oshae Brissett are given ample opportunities to blossom and find their niche in the NBA.
With player development and chemistry as the utmost priority of Rick Carlisle for the remaining games, these are the bold predictions for Indiana in the final month of the season.
Jalen Smith proves Phoenix wrong
Jalen Smith was selected 10th overall in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns. At that juncture, the Suns were still struggling to be a contender in the difficult Western Conference, but after reaching the finals last season, they decided to decline the team option of Smith in the offseason making him an unrestricted free agent in 2022. That was such a rare occurrence for a lottery pick as this has only been the sixth time it has happened since 2005.
What makes it more mind-boggling was to give up on a talent like Smith who did not receive a ton of chances until Deandre Ayton sustained injuries this season. Moreover, Smith blossomed into a phenomenal role player receiving a slew of passes from Chris Paul and Devin Booker every game. As he is becoming a free agent, the Suns traded him to the Pacers where Carlisle has utilized him as a spectacular boost off the bench. The talent is unquestioned as Indiana may have stole a fabulous asset in building their future team.
Haliburton, Brogdon, Hield, Duarte all raise value
Even with the crowded backcourt of Indiana, it is a great problem to have because all these four guys possess their own excellent skillset. The opportunity to acquire both Haliburton and Hield could not be passed by the organization as one of their guards could eventually be flipped for a combo forward that could flourish under the system of Carlisle.
The depth chart of Indiana still lacks numerous three-and-D wings who could play 25-30 minutes on a given night, especially with the unknown status on the foot injury of T.J. Warren. With that in mind, the front office could tinker and negotiate plausible deals in bolstering their size and versatility as these four guards who are currently in the team will definitely raise their market value and grow interest among franchises in dire need of ball handlers.
Haliburton will be the new franchise player of Indiana
At 22 years of age with the methodical and mature approach to the game of basketball, Haliburton has the immense upside of leading a small market team like the Pacers. In just his second season in the association, there were several instances wherein he portrays leadership qualities that galvanizes his teammates to thrive in their respective roles.
Despite being in Sacramento who has continuously been missing the playoffs, he had the optimistic mindset of manufacturing ways to change the culture of the squad. Thus, it was mind-boggling for the Kings to give up on him in just his sophomore season, but the Pacers will largely benefit with his contribution on and off the court. Additionally, Indiana lacks the appeal and attractiveness that other cities have in luring free agents to sign with their squad. Adding an individual like Haliburton is a rare sight, thus Kevin Pritchard must not waste this time and adding pieces to complement Haliburton.
Haliburton, Duarte, Jackson, and Smith are still far from entering their prime as the future looks bright in Indianapolis. Carlisle has the track record of leading teams to deep playoff runs, so the move of the front office to hire him in mentoring these young assets was a brilliant move. As the Pacers have a couple of guys who would stick in the league for long, this could be a sign of things to come for them to be a staple in the playoffs and possibly recruit some remarkable free agents as well.
