Imagining a dream roster around the face of the franchise

Jacob Breece

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 15: Myles Turner

The secret is out, Myles Turner has next in Indy. Can Kevin Pritchard form a title contender with Turner as the leader?

Myles Turner is ahead of the game. He’s an up and comer that has already arrived.

Turner has improved in each of his first two years, adding new elements to an already skill-heavy arsenal. Myles has a unique blend of skills that should only improve with time. As well as being one of the best rim protectors in the league, his ability to knock down shots is incredible for a player his size.

At only 21 years of age, the opportunity for the Pacers to build something special is there. Can Kevin Pritchard and the front office deliver?

There have been all types of winning formulas throughout the years in the NBA, from “Big 3s” to teams with no stars relying on only the concept of team basketball. There are multiple ways to achieve one goal, but consistently excelling at one is anything but easy.

Play Style

Play style has been a huge topic in recent years, with the NBA transitioning away from traditional positions to a large degree.

Teams continue to push the pace and space motto, but with Myles Turner as the centerpiece of Indy’s rebuilt title contender, playing at a slower clip could be very beneficial. San Antonio would be a good model to pursue (as they are in just about anything basketball). Run when the defense allows it, but use your offense in the half court as the weapon of choice.

This current Pacers team should look to push the pace a bit more than our dream team. With quick, athletic players such as Darren Collison and Thaddeus Young, a faster style should suit them well.

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – AUGUST 5: Victor Oladipo

Players to target – the back court

(Note: All players are projected at or close to their ceiling in the year 2022-23, which would be considered the beginning of Myles Turner’s prime)

The back-court could be considered the most important aspect of a team. Generally, the guards dictate the pace of the game as well as running the offense. In this scenario, the team’s second best player would come from one of the guard positions.

Ideal Pairing: Dante Exum and C.J McCollum

Targeting somebody that could create their own shot in the half-court is key. When the defense is set, a two-man game involving Turner and McCollum would be a go-to. One of the two guard positions should provide elite scoring and play-making. McCollum fits that mold perfectly.

More from 8 Points, 9 Seconds

At the other guard spot would be Dante Exum. Exum is a rangy, long defender that could take on the opposing teams best guard. Although he lacks a jumper at this point in his career, he should at least have enough to keep opposing teams honest in five years.

All that said, maybe the Pacers don’t need to look elsewhere for these players. Victor Oladipo is an attacking two guard who could soon become Indy’s Robin to Myles Turner’s Batman. If he pulls all aspects of his game together, he could be a 20 ppg scorer as early as next year.

Similarly, Cory Joseph is a solid defender with good size to guard either back-court position, but needs to improve greatly on the offensive end.

EAST LANSING, MI – FEBRUARY 23: Miles Bridges

Players to target – the front court

With shooting and scoring being selling points in our dream back-court, the front-court should focus on defense and rebounding.

Ideal Pairing: Robert Covington and Miles Bridges

This SF/ PF pairing would fit beautifully next to Turner in the starting lineup. Turner and Bridges would form one of the best front-courts in the league. Although slightly undersized as a tandem, the two would surely make up for it with elite athleticism, not to mention the spacing and offensive flow this pairing would provide with the array of skills each big possesses.

Filling out the bench

Although this squad spends most of its payroll on the starting unit, the bench could still be an asset. Filling this second unit with players that can dribble, pass and shoot at a solid level would be key.

Players such as Tyus Jones, Kyle Anderson and Indy’s very own Lance Stephenson would provide the Pacers with a cheap viable bench that should hold its own. Especially with one of the “Big 3” on the court at all times.

Current Pacer bench: Joseph, Stephenson, GR3, Sabonis, Jefferson

This years second unit should be looked at as a real asset. With good playmaking from the guard spots, CoJo and Lance should be able to dominate most bench back-courts. Not only are the guards much improved, but Robinson III and Sabonis should also be upgrades to last year’s bench combination. Also, T.J Leaf and Ike Anigbogu should provide nice depth at the power forward and center positions.

So how does this “Dream Team” stacks up in today’s league?

Even though it is almost impossible to predict how each of these players’ careers will unfold, I believe this Pacer team could compete for a championship.

As far as next season goes, many project Indiana to be a bottom tier team, but I could see this group surprising a lot of people. This Pacer squad might not be the most talented, but they fit well together and will hopefully show potential on the court.

Next: Myles Turner kinda reminds you of...

While I understand this is a dream roster, it would not be out of the question to see a team like this surrounding Turner as he continues to grow as a player. He has a chance to be special for Indiana, and I am more than excited to see him develop into a star.

Jacob Breece