Now everyone on Earth, not to mention some distant constellations Pacers Looking for a deal Myles Turner When Buddy Hield..Team President Kevin Pritchard does not accept terrible deals to move forward from them — Indiana’s recent witnesses Refuse to trade with the LakersWas offering Russell Westbrook, 2027 1st round and 2 2nd rounds. Pritchard and Pacers are neither hopeless nor stupid.
However, everyone in the Pacers organization is ready to continue the complete restructuring of the rampant franchise, primarily by a series of injured people, from owner Herbert Simon to the bottom of the org chart. , Now it’s clear enough. Recent list.
Simon points are noteworthy. Earlier last year, Simon told a group of five local reporters, “I like my little team,” before everything collapsed in the 25-57 season. 87-year-old Simon does not yet have a keen desire to go to the Oklahoma City route, but over time he has wisely reached the conclusion that you cannot step into reconstruction, you You need to jump in first.
He is spoiled. Donnie Walsh rebuilt the team without completely hitting the bottom. Larry Bird’s post-brawl team wasn’t good in Troy Murphy-Mike Dunleavy’s day, but it was always reasonably competitive, if not bad enough to be in the Top 9 on draft nights. .. ..
This time, the Pacers are using a more proven and more patient approach.
They traded Domantas Sabonis Last year in exchange for a franchise point guard, Tyrese HaliburtonSince Mark Jackson, he will soon establish himself as the team’s best point guard.
Buddy Hield scored an average of 18.2 points in 26 Pacers games last season. (Wendell Cruz / USA Today)
They traded Malcolm BrogdonPeople who couldn’t maintain their health.
They let TJ Warren He walks as a free agent after missing most of the two seasons due to foot problems.
They have a large offer sheet Phoenix center Deandre Ayton, Sands matched.. (There was an attempt to stop sign-and-trade, but it didn’t happen.)
Indiana knew that Phoenix was likely to match — Pritchard handicaped it as a 70-30 suggestion that Phoenix would keep him — but it was a worthwhile effort. And while it wasn’t done for publicity purposes, it helped send a message to Indiana fans that the Pacers were ready to become players from this time on.
The Pacers finally embraced this process after years of taking a tentative baby step towards reconstruction. Not a “process”, but at least as we think 76ers, Tanking poster kids. But the process of moving away from veteran players, accumulating cap space and draft assets, and doing things slowly, difficult … in a smart way. And we hope and believe that the smartest Pacers fans in the league will embrace the team’s new direction with patience and enthusiasm.
“Two years ago we started changing the compass,” said Pritchard. “Two years ago, it was specifically drafting, but now we are doing it in a way to acquire players. And there are many young and up-and-coming talented players who will be attracted to free agents next summer. There is a unique situation of being there, and there will be more cap space next summer.
“Whether we use the cap space at or before the transaction deadline or roll it back next year to reserve a large amount of space for signing or exchanging players. Instead, we will aggressively enter the market. “
However, cap space is a risky business. Especially for small teams that have historically not been known as free agent destinations. However, cap space offers other benefits. Especially if you are one of the few teams in the league and have room to fly. The Pacers can accept more value than give up, take on bad contracts with other teams, and accumulate the first round.The Pacers are already ready to welcome two first rounders next season (with themselves) Boston) And get ClevelandIf the Cavaliers take their original actions, and if they fail in a single match over the past year, they will play off first.
From Pritchard’s point of view, his team is endowed with some options and the ability to pivot, even as the next season begins.
Let’s say they surprised us next season. Benedict Maturin It’s off, Chris Duarte After hitting a rookie wall and getting hurt last season, returning to form, the youthful Pacers are actually sniffing the playoffs. (Odd in my humble opinion, OK, I’ll play with you.) Next, Pritchard uses Turner and Hilde (assuming they haven’t been dealt yet) to do a playoff push. You can add pieces and other assets that will help you. Or they can use some of their first rounds to get help right away.
Let’s say they are having a hard time. Again, you can use Turner / Hield (if it’s still on the roster) to add draft options.
That’s what Pritchard likes to use: option.
The question is what to do about Turner in the short term now that the Pacers have failed to track Eighton.
They obviously have to move him. Are they heading for the season with him? Yes, it is. Is it optimal? No, it’s not.
Does anyone really want to sign an extension for Turner to stay indie next season and beyond? not me. Why is he so? I want him to go back to Texas — Dallas Or San Antonio comes to mind. And of course, his feelings are hurt. Not only was he a permanent subject of trade negotiations, but now he had to sit quietly and watch his team extend the offer sheets to another center.
But for Turner I say this. He is smart and professional. Sure, he has a problem. Last year he told Jared Weiss: Athletic He was dissatisfied with his role And I wanted to be a bigger focus of the attack. But he knows that if he wants to win a nine-digit contract next summer, he must stay healthy and play well. You wouldn’t be human if you didn’t feel hurt, but to be honest, you should be used to it now. Turner has the power to determine his value from next season onwards. The gloomy thing to stop would be of no use to him, and he is sharp enough to recognize it.
As for Hierd, the coach likes his veteran presence and his work ethic and will be willing to put him on the roster for next season, but in the end he will be dealt with. He’s 29 and makes a lot of money — if the Pacers can get decent value for him, they’ll make that deal tomorrow.
Please look forward to it.
The Pacers are ready to turn this franchise over. And it’s about time.
(Myles Turner Top Photo: David Butler II / USA Today)
