Indiana Pacers: Early 2021 Free Agency Big Board to fill roster holes
By Shayler Neal
With the Turbonis duo on the verge of breaking apart, the Pacers need to scout the big man market
The Indiana Pacers have one of the strongest starting front-courts in the league, with Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner. However, the inevitable break-up seems closer than ever and one of them will likely be in a different uniform at the start of the 2021-22 NBA season.
With a lack of consistent production from their reserves and the conflict of roles between Sabonis and Turner, acquiring a proven vet at the Power Forward or Center position can provide more stability for the team. Each of these upcoming free agents are cheap options that will rebound and protect the rim.
Solid Bench Big Target for the Indiana Pacers: Dewayne Dedmon
After an efficient stint with Atlanta, Dewayne Dedmon was signed late in the season by Miami under the league minimum and has been an unsung hero of their bench, putting up 7.4 PPG, 5.5 RPG, on 73% from the field and a stellar 76% from the stripe in only 13.5 minutes per game.
After over a year away from the league, Dedmon has provided very solid production at the backup center position and has helped the Heat evade the dreaded play-in tournament. For a good price, Dedmon could do just that off the bench for Indiana. He’s a tough big who would serve as a defensive anchor and would potentially even serve as a leader in the locker room.
Solid Bench Big Target for the Indiana Pacers: Gorgui Dieng
Known for his time in Minnesota, Gorgui Dieng continued to post some solid campaigns with the Memphis Grizzlies before being shipped to San Antonio at the deadline, and has seen a decrease in playing time under Popovich while battling a shoulder injury he aggravated in his debut with the Spurs.
With similar stats to Dedmon and a 6’11 frame, Dieng has stayed in the league providing defensive versatility and rebounding, something the Pacers could definitely use more consistently. He can even hit the occasional three-point shot. For a low price, Dieng could be a solid acquisition, provided he stays healthy.
Solid Bench Big Target for the Indiana Pacers: Nerlens Noel
This would be a huge signing for Indiana, but it would likely come with a decent paycheck. Nerlens Noel‘s signing with the Knicks this offseason was not exactly a headline. The Knicks failed to sign any of the top free agents they were rumored to acquire, and New York was projected to be a laughing stock yet again. Noel wasn’t expected to change that.
To be quite frank, the media was wrong. The Knicks are back, and the Thibodeau-led squad has wreaked havoc with their grit and relentlessness on the defensive end. The Knicks rank 1st in the NBA in defensive rating, and Noel has been a huge part of their success.
Although he was recently sidelined due to a minor ankle injury, he has been brilliant for New York in ways you can’t see in the box score. Bringing Noel to Indiana would be a fantastic signing, but the Knicks will be ready to battle for him.