Indiana Pacers off-season wrap-up: A deeper look at the 6 new additions

Jeremy Lamb

This was yet another quality signing by the Pacers. Lamb was the second best player on a pretty bad Hornets team, but has improved every season he’s been in the league. A pure scorer, he will start at shooting guard until Vic comes back, and then slot in as a very strong 6th man from the bench.

He can shoot the 3, take people off the drive, and score in a variety of ways. He averaged 15 points per game last season on decent shooting splits, and while not a great defender, has the size and length to defend guards and wings.

What makes this signing great, beyond getting a quality player, is the contract. At 3 years, $31.5 million, the Pacers have a solid player on an even more solid contract. Lamb seems like he really wants to be here, and looks to be a key part of the Pacers’ future.

T.J. McConnell

This was a depth signing at a position of need. McConnell has been solid in his first 4 years with Philadelphia, and while his contract hasn’t been officially signed yet, it’s looking like $6 million over 2 years with a team option on the second year. This is a great value signing, one that gives the Pacers depth and flexibility going forward.

McConnell himself probably won’t get a ton of playing time as the team will most likely want second year guard Aaron Holiday to play most of the backup point guard minutes. When he does play, McConnell will bring energy and effort, along with a steady hand to lead the second unit.

He’s not a great shooter and can’t create for himself all that well, but he is a good distributor and an incredibly pesky defender. Plus, he’s the third TJ on the team, meaning the Pacers now have every single TJ in the league on their roster. Neat.