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Matthes’ Manifesto: The Pacers have options in free agency

By Jonathan Matthes

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 27: Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers looks to the basket against Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic during a game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on January 27, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Pacers won 114-112. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 27: Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers looks to the basket against Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic during a game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on January 27, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Pacers won 114-112. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Victor Oladipo of the Indiana Pacers and Aaron Gordon of the Orlando Magic
Victor Oladipo of the Indiana Pacers and Aaron Gordon of the Orlando Magic /

As part of Jonathan Matthes’ offseason manifesto, we look at which players make the most sense for the Pacers in free agency for this offseason.

If the Pacers want to hunt for impact players, this section is not for them. Mowing through these quickly: Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Chris Paul, DeMarcus Cousins, DeAndre Jordan, and definitely, most definitely Paul George are not coming to Indiana.

A word on the last one: a player like Paul George (superiorly gifted two-way wing) would be perfect in Indiana, while a player that is Paul George (the guy who captained two underachieving teams, and didn’t want to be here anyway) is not.

Also not making this section are good players who would be poor fits in Indy (Clint Capela, Julius Randle, Derek Favors, Enes Kanter, Jusuf Nurkic), significant injury risks who haven’t rounded back into shape (Cousins again, Isaiah Thomas, Jabari Parker, Zach LaVine) or players who gained a pseudo-cult recognition while playing in obscurity only to wilt like a dandelion in the sun when inserted onto the big stage (Rodney Hood).

Instead of tossing too much money on these players Indiana should focus their remaining cap space on supplemental players that will add to the meat of the roster. Positions like the fifth guard, the second small forward (if Robinson goes elsewhere or Indy decides someone else is an upgrade), the backup four (Trevor Booker’s spot, if Indy elects to move on), more shooters anywhere, can all be upgraded through free agency. Options for all of these (both good and bad) are below.

Dylan Hughes on why the Pacers should target Aaron Gordon

Jacob Breece on why the Pacers shouldn’t target Aaron Gordon

Now let’s look at some of the other power forwards

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