Smith: It’s time for the Pacers to make a big move
By TYLER SMITH (@TylerSmith_ISL)
ISL Editor
INDIANAPOLIS — The minute Victor Oladipo was lost for the season, another first-round playoff exit became likely for the Indiana Pacers. As their season ended Sunday afternoon, the question on everyone’s mind became: “What’s next?”
The city and fans should be proud of this organization. They’ve exceeded expectations in two straight seasons, and never backed down despite losing their star. At the same time- when is pride no longer enough?
It’s time for the front office to do something big.
Yes, this team was on pace for 57 wins with a healthy Oladipo. His return will be a massive boost, assuming he can get back to himself by December. But if the front office relies only on his return to improve this team, they will once again fall into the “good but not good enough” category next season.
The fans love this team. They’re appreciative of this team. But they’re also tired of moral victories.
So what can Kevin Pritchard do? He has some tough decisions ahead.
For starters, look at this list of unrestricted free agents the Pacers have: Bojan Bogdanovic, Thaddeus Young, Darren Collison, Wesley Matthews, Cory Joseph, Tyreke Evans and Kyle O’Quinn. It’s easy for the fans pick and choose which ones they want back, but it’s no simple task for Pritchard and company.
The Pacers are reportedly very interested in bringing Bogdanovic back, and the feelings are mutual. But what type of offers will Bogey get elsewhere? If the Pacers can simply match other offers, it will probably be enough to keep their Croatian Sensation. Would something like 3 years and 45 million be enough? Time will tell.
We haven’t heard what the Pacers interest may or may not be in any of their other free agents. Thad Young is the glue of this team, and it’s very possible that losing Young would set this team back. At the same time, would he accept a one or two year deal to stay? I’m not sure I see Kevin Pritchard giving the soon-to-be 31-year-old Young a 3 year deal, but I could be wrong.
If you ask my opinion, I think the Pacers should focus on two main things this summer: 1. Bring back Bogey, and 2. Go get the best guard you can find.
I don’t care if he’s a point guard or a shooting guard. The Pacers just need to find a play-maker that can put the ball in the hole to go along with Oladipo.
Kemba Walker would look great in the blue and gold. Mike Conley is still an interesting option if you’re willing to part with Holiday, Leaf and picks. But if these two guys aren’t available, they still need to find a way to land a really good guard.
I know the risks of getting Kemba. Could he and Oladipo share the ball enough? Would he be a fit here? Would the Pacers be better off using their money to keep their own guys and tweak instead of making a big splash? Those are all valid questions, but I’m still all-in on a Walker type player. Why? Because Oladipo needs help, and it’s time for the Pacers to take a risk for a change, and make a big move. And to be honest, Nate McMillan doesn’t exactly have the most impressive play-calling skills late in games. Add a guy like Kemba Walker, and he can make plays happen himself.
The cap situation will become more clear in the coming days. My initial guess is- the Pacers could afford to keep Bogdanovic and still add a big contract. That would probably mean losing Thad Young, but that’s not a guarantee. Maybe Herb Simon actually allows Pritchard to spend some money this summer. It would be a great year to do it with Domantas Sabonis still a year away from his big pay-day.
Or, maybe the Pacers will simply try to bring the core back with one decent addition added to the mix.
I don’t envy Kevin Pritchard this summer. It’s easy to make moves on NBA 2K. It’s a completely different animal when it’s real life. Pritchard’s decisions this summer will have a major impact on the next several years for this organization.
For the sake of the fans, it’s time to go big or go home.
