Ranking the best Indiana Pacers free agent signings of the last five years
By Ben Boynton
Al Jefferson
3 years, $30 million
First season: 8.1 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 49.9 FG%
The Pacers signed Al Jefferson, a longtime post presence in the league, in time for the 2016-2017 season. Though removed from his days of 20 points and 10 rebounds, Jefferson was still a productive vet expected to provide quality depth as a backup big man.
He struggled to find a consistent role, averaging 13.9 minutes per game in two seasons with Indiana, putting up 7.7 points and 4.1 rebounds per contest. He was waived after his second season and retired officially this past March after not playing last year, though he still collected $4 million from the Pacers.
VERDICT: This was another dud as like Ellis, he was paid to not be on the team, though it wasn’t as costly. For what they paid and expected, the Pacers had to have been pretty disappointed.
Bojan Bogdanovic and Darren Collison
2 years, $21 million and 2 years, $20 million
Bogdanovic first season: 14.3 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 47.4 FG%
Collison first season: 12.4 ppg, 5.3 apg, 49.5 FG%
Putting these two together makes sense, as both were somewhat under-the-radar signings in the summer of 2017. Bojan Bogdanovic became more freely available after the Washington Wizards (who had traded a first-round pick that became Jarrett Allen in a deal to acquire him for half a season) rescinded a qualifying offer for him.
The Wizards’ curious decision became the Pacers’ fortune, as they got a guy who would become an integral cog on the team on a team-friendly deal for two seasons. Darren Collison likewise didn’t move the national needle much when he agreed to return to Indiana for a second stint, but provided steady play at the point guard spot. He even led the league in 3-point percentage in his first year, connecting on 46.8 percent of his triples.
VERDICT: These were excellent pickups, as mentioned. Factor in value relative to the cost, and the additions get even better. Bogdanovic last season was a top-10 no-doubt best contract in the league. He gets the edge over Collison here.