Assessing the future of each Pacers player
By TYLER SMITH
ISL Editor
INDIANAPOLIS — As I wrap up my 10th season covering the Indiana Pacers, it’s a good time for my annual assessment of each player on the roster, as we also discuss their potential fit moving forward. Overall, this season has been filled with ups and downs, but has largely been a success for a rebuilding team. The first half especially was filled with promise. The injuries and shortcomings in the second half will allow the team to get a high draft pick. Call it a win/win scenario. Next season? Expectations should rise. It should be playoff-or bust for this franchise. Until then, here are some thoughts about each player.
Tyrese Haliburton-
Aside from having more luck in the health department, Tyrese Haliburton had the dream season in his first full year as a Pacer. He has solidified himself as the franchise leader and looks primed and ready for a wonderful career in the blue and gold. Haliburton was an All-Star this season, averaging 20.7 points, 10.4 assists, 3.7 rebounds per game, and shot 49% from the field. The Pacers were 28-28 in games that he played, and 26-22 when he and Myles Turner both played together. Those are solid records for a team in year one of a total rebuild. Haliburton needs to improve his defense and I’m sure will work towards that. But the Pacers are in good hands with their point guard. Now the question is- will he get enough help?
Chance of being a Pacer next year- 150%
Myles Turner-
I didn’t expect to be writing about Myles Turner at the end of another season. But after his contract extension, here we are. This is what I wrote for Turner in this column last year: “I want to see how Myles Turner fits with this new-look Pacers squad. I still think he brings plenty of value moving forward, whether his offense improves or not in the absence of Domantas Sabonis. I’d still be listening to offers for him this summer. But I’m not giving Myles Turner up for pennies.”
Could trade rumors heat up once again for Myles Turner this summer? It’s very possible. But for the first time in a few years, I would bet on Turner being here. He set career-highs in points, rebounds, and FG%, while still providing 2.3 blocks per game. The season started out in awkward fashion with Turner being forced to answer questions about Deandre Ayton and free agency. In the end, it was a solid season for Turner as the lone center. He’s now second all-time in blocks in Pacers history. Will he be here long enough to break that record?
Chance of being a Pacer next year- 70%
Buddy Hield-
From being heavily involved in trade rumors to becoming the all-time leader in 3’s for the franchise in a season, it’s been a bit of a whirlwind for Buddy Hield as a Pacer. Overall, Hield had a very solid season, proving that he’s more than just a 3-point sniper. After being a starter in his first 73 games, Hield has been coming off the bench down the stretch. I’m very interested to see if he’s back next year, and whether or not the Pacers view him as a starter or 6th-man type. Hield has still never made the playoffs, but the Pacers’ best chances to be a playoff team next year might still be with Hield included in the plans. You can bet teams will be calling as he enters the final year of his contract.
Chances of being a Pacer next year- 50%
Bennedict Mathurin-
Mathurin may have hit the rookie wall a little bit in the second half of the season, but he still looks like a guy who should’ve been a top-two pick in the draft. The sky is the limit for this kid. There are several current stars in the game who didn’t look as good as Mathurin in their rookie seasons. And the best part about Mathurin- he’s coachable and wants to get better. That talent and work ethic is a powerful combination, and I think it’s only a matter of time before the big breakout takes place. Whether he’s a starter or not next season, look for steady improvement.
Chances of being a Pacer next year: 99.9%
Andrew Nembhard-
One of the greatest steals of the draft at pick 31, Nembhard had a very strong rookie season. Rick Carlisle says he “epitomizes Pacers basketball,” and he should be a long-term piece. I think he’s at his best playing the one, but he also has some value as a combo-guard. His play could impact the future of TJ McConnell. Next season, I would love to see Nembhard as Haliburton’s primary backup, with the opportunity to play more minutes than your typical backup point guard.
Chance of being a Pacer next year- 80%
Aaron Nesmith-
The Pacers mainly traded Malcolm Brogdon so they could give the keys to Haliburton, save some money, and add another 1st round pick in the process. But Aaron Nesmith exceeded the expectations of many this season for Indy, and has earned a role on the squad moving forward. Like many others on the current team, he would be most valuable with the second unit- which is where I hope he ends up next year.
Chances of being a Pacer next year: 70%
Jalen Smith-
Like many others, I was ecstatic when the Pacers found a way to keep Stix around when it looked unlikely. He had his moments this year, but overall- it wasn’t the production I expected. After averaging 13.4 points and 7.6 rebounds in 22 games with Indiana last year, Smith has averaged just 9.3 points and 5.8 rebounds this season, while shooting just 27% from 3-point range. He’s still a good piece to have around, but it remains to be seen if second or third string is in his future.
Chances of being a Pacer next year: 75%
Isaiah Jackson-
Like Smith, it was an underwhelming overall season for Jackson. He flashed his potential at times, and he’s still just 21 years old. But I was hoping for a bigger step in his development. A block and a half per game in just 15 minutes is nice, but Jackson still gets lost in some areas of the game. I feel very similar about Smith and Jackson in terms of role moving forward. I just wonder what the Pacers think about it.
Chances of being a Pacer next year- 75%
TJ McConnell-
This one gets a little tricky. McConnell is loved by many Pacer fans, while many others think he should be traded. He was quite productive in his role this year, averaging 8.5 points and 5.2 assists in just over 20 minutes per night. He’s been especially effective down the stretch. He’s still signed for a couple more seasons if the Pacers want to keep him around. But what is more valuable moving forward? Keeping him as a veteran presence/solid contributor off the bench, or dealing him and letting Nembhard become the primary backup? Time will tell.
Chances of being a Pacer next year- 55%
Jordan Nwora-
You can put Nwora in a similar category as Nesmith. He didn’t have much of a role on his former team, and has thrived at times as a Pacer. I like his ability to stretch the floor and still believe he has another level he can reach. But like Nesmith, it would be best if his role moving forward was with the second unit.
Chances of being a Pacer next year: 80%
Chris Duarte-
There’s no other way to put this: It was a very disappointing year for Duarte. He missed nearly half the year with injuries, and only shot 37% from the field when he played. It had to be challenging watching Mathurin produce at such a high level, on top of dealing with the injury problems. He looked like a big part of the future as a rookie. But now, I question his long-term fit. Unfortunately, he didn’t do much in terms of raising his trade value. But I think the Pacers will ask teams about him this summer.
Chances of being a Pacer next year- 45%
Oshae Brissett-
Brissett was once again a player who did anything that was asked of him this season. He had some big moments and has been one of the fan favorites in his three years as a Pacer. But he will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, and I think his time as a Pacer is probably up. The Pacers may give him a bit of the Lance Stephenson treatment and keep in contact with him as they wait and see what else they can do with the roster. The Pacers can’t keep everybody, especially with lots of draft picks in their back pocket.
Chances of being a Pacer next year- 30%
Final Thoughts:
It could be a crazy off-season for the Pacers. With multiple draft picks, a little bit of cap space, and a few trade assets, look for Kevin Pritchard and company to get creative. Development and building for the long-term will still be the primary focus, but they will also have an opportunity to turn things around and become a playoff team next season if they make the right moves. This team needs desperately needs a power forward, and guys who can guard a wing. As always, it’s been a pleasure covering this team all season long. Let’s do it all again next year.
