8 points, 9 seconds
Fansided

The Pacers should take a good look at these players coming off their rookie deals

By William Furr

DETROIT, MI - FEBRUARY 1: Blake Griffin #32 of the Detroit Pistons is introduced along with teammate Stanley Johnson #7 prior to the start of the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Little Caesars Arena on February 1, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - FEBRUARY 1: Blake Griffin #32 of the Detroit Pistons is introduced along with teammate Stanley Johnson #7 prior to the start of the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Little Caesars Arena on February 1, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
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Elfrid Payton of the Orlando Magic
HOUSTON, TX – JANUARY 30: Elfrid Payton #2 of the Orlando Magic brings the ball up the court against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on January 30, 2018 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

Elfrid Payton — Orlando Magic

Contract: 3.3 million in 17-18

Career: 11.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 45.8% shooting (52.3% this season), 31% 3 point shooting (40.3% this season on 62 attempts)

Elfrid Payton and his awful hair have started the vast majority of games for the Magic the past 4 seasons. Both Payton and the team have consistently inspired reactions ranging from “meh” to “cover your eyes, don’t look, it’ll be okay”.

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He’s shown flashes of potential, and his basic stats — 13 points, 6 assists, 52% shooting — look encouraging. Despite shooting 40% from 3 this season, Payton is taking about the same number as Winslow, 1.6 per game. Orlando has seeming brought in half a dozen point guards during Payton’s tenure, and has often played better when he is on the bench.

With the Magic’s interest in retaining him seeming rather tepid, it might be time for a change of scenery. The Pacers have a 30 year old journeyman point guard who’s essentially got a team option for 10 million next year in Darren Collison.

They’ve got Cory Joseph, who’s shown great flashes but is a career backup. Payton could possibly get a fresh start in Indiana, and the Magic are quite likely looking to recoup anything rather than letting him walk away for nothing.

Emmanuel Mudiay #0 of the Denver Nuggets dribbles the ball against the Indiana Pacers
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 10: Emmanuel Mudiay #0 of the Denver Nuggets dribbles the ball against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 10, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Emmanuel Mudiay — Denver Nuggets

Contract: 3.4 million in 17-18, 4.3 million in 18-19

Career: 11.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 37.2% shooting, 33% 3 point shooting (38.7% on 93 attempts this year)

Mudiay has seen his minutes decrease each season, and has been in and out of the rotation despite Denver jettisoning Jameer Nelson before the season began. He is making just about a three pointer per game on 38% this year, which would represent a marked improvement from his 31.9% career high. Mudiay is a plus defender in theory, carry good athleticism with a 6’5 frame, but he’s yet to put things together yet.

Denver seems content with Jamaal Murray/Will Barton taking on the ball handling load, and Mudiay looks like an expendable part of the Nuggets future. It’s important to remember — Mudiay is a mere 21 years old still. Point guards often take time to develop, and the Pacers could give Mudiay an environment to develop with a few players in his age range and a vocal star just a few years older.

Willy Hernangomez #14 of the New York Knicks
BOSTON, MA – JANUARY 31: Willy Hernangomez #14 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against the Boston Celtics on January 31, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Willy Hernangomez — New York Knicks

Career: 7.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 53.9% shooting, 25% 3 point shooting

Contract: 1.4 million in 17-18, 1.5 million in 18-19, 1.7 million in 19-20

Hernangomez had a strong rookie season, showing flashes of a good rebounder and crafty scorer. Things have not been as rosy in year 2, however. Hernangomez has fallen out of the rotation in his second year with the Knicks.

Stuck behind Kyle O’Quinn (deservingly), Hernangomez has only played 231 minutes in 25 games. With O’Quinn, Kanter, Porzingis, and Michael Beasley taking the vast majority of the big man minutes, the Knicks might be ready let Hernangomez go if they can get help for one of the other holes in their roster.

Hernangomez would probably supplant T.J. Leaf in the rotation, perhaps giving Leaf time to develop on the defensive end in the G-League. (Shoutout to @tonyeast for reminding me Hernangomez existed)

Mario Hezonja #8 of the Orlando Magic
HOUSTON, TX – JANUARY 30: Mario Hezonja #8 of the Orlando Magic goes for a lay up against the Houston Rockets on January 30, 2018 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Mario Hezonja

4.1 million 17-18

Career: 5.8 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 41.3% shooting (45.6% this year), 32.3% 3 point shooting

Hezonja has shown very little so far in his career, playing as a shooter who can’t shoot through 3 seasons. It seems more likely that he’s a bust than that he’s on the verge of turning this thing around, but he had a ton of potential coming into the league.

If the asking price is as low as it would seem, it’d be worth a phone call for Kevin Pritchard.

Next: For those who want to trade Myles Turner: Stop

With the trade deadline fast approaching (Thursday, 2/8 at 3PM Eastern), the Pacers have very little time left to make a move. It seems unlikely the team is headed for a large roster shakeup, but some small moves could provide some extra potential for 2018-19 and beyond.

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