Should the Indiana Pacers sign a backup center with Bitadze out?

With injuries piling up on the young center Goga Bitazde, do the Indiana Pacers look to make a move?

Let’s get this out of the way, I’m not saying to trade Goga, I’m bringing up the idea of signing a taller center to have on the roster if JaKarr Sampson just doesn’t cut it for some matchups. This would come at a cost player-wise and in the pocketbook a little bit with the Pacers being cap locked and having a full lineup already.

If the Pacers were to make a move I feel like Jalen Lecque should be the most expendable but in reality, it’s probably Kelan Martin with his contract not guaranteed. I’d love to keep both of them as they are both young talents that could be developed under a new coach in Nate Bjorkgren who loves to focus on player development.

Like I said I believe Jalen should be the one to go if a move was made, we have plenty of guard depth and Kelan showed some flashes of being a serviceable wing in the preseason, and you can never have too many wings.

If the Pacers are winning a lot of games like I believe they will, having JaKarr as the sole backup big man may result in problems. Don’t get me wrong he is a very good role player, but sometimes size is needed. There aren’t many players left on the market but I think there is a player that would fit the role I’m talking about with his size and his skill set. I’m talking about Dewayne Dedmon.

Last season left a lot to be desired with him bouncing around a few teams, but the year prior he showed that he is a good center when he averaged 10.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists on 49/38/81 shooting splits, that’s good. A big body that can decently rebound and stretch the floor would make for a good fit as Nate Bjorkgren likes to get up some three-point shots.

All of that being said I doubt anything of the sort happens, just throwing an idea out there.