8 points, 9 seconds
Fansided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – FEBRUARY 26: Jerami Grant #9 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket during the game against the Orlando Magic on February 26, 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – FEBRUARY 26: Jerami Grant #9 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket during the game against the Orlando Magic on February 26, 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Power Forward

A coup would be Jerami Grant (Thunder, 8.4, 54/29/68, 3.9 Rebs, $1.5M cap hold). Grant finished the year as the fourth best player on Oklahoma City while playing off the bench. He’s an energizer bunny constantly active both offensively and defensively.

His three-point accuracy wasn’t flattering last year (29%) but that might be an anomaly. He shot 37% the year before and his overall shooting percentages have generally trended up, a very positive sign.

And, it’s not like he’s the first player to see deflated scoring numbers playing alongside Westbrook.

More from 8 Points, 9 Seconds

The genesis of signing Grant would be that he’s a 24 year-old who plays like a starter, who will be cheaper than the flashier models on the market, and whose team might not be able to keep him (even when George opts out they will be over the luxury tax).

An intrepid team could try to price the Thunder out of Grant who will only be a back-up as long as Carmelo Anthony is on the roster. But in Indiana, he could be -depending on how Thad’s situation progresses- much more influential.

A less-heralded yet steady option would be Anthony Tolliver (Pistons, 8.9, 46/44/80, 3.1 Rebs, $3.9M cap hold). For most of his decade-long NBA career Tolliver was treated as a traditional power forward, which was a mistake because he isn’t. During his short stay with Charlotte, he started ranging out to the perimeter and has been a 40% shooter ever since. He kicked it up several notches to close out the year for the Pistons, averaging a 17 and 4 while hitting 55% of his threes during their final ten games.

If a team needs a steely veteran with a sweet touch from the four, Tolliver abides.

Home/Pacers News