Indiana Pacers: Early 2021 Free Agency Big Board to fill roster holes

Lamb’s looming departure leaves a void for the Indiana Pacers

When the Indiana Pacers signed Lamb in 2019 for 31 million over three years, he was coming off of a career-high in almost every category and was a 15 PPG player. Moving from that Charlotte team to the Pacers was definitely a significant jump, but his fit in Indiana hasn’t been as cohesive as Kevin Pritchard and Indiana fans had hoped. His production dropped with similar minutes, and he trajectory didn’t grow like many hoped to see. He still has a year left on his deal, but his time in Indiana might come to an end this offseason.

If they decide to move on from Lamb, his trade value might not be high enough, especially coming off of a season-ending injury, to return a big package. They could look to the free agent market to take another swing at it, and these upcoming free agents would be interesting fits to replace his spot in the rotation.

Jeremy Lamb Replacement Target for the Indiana Pacers: Will Barton

Will Barton has been a key contributor in the Denver Nuggets’ starting rotation this season, and with Jamal Murray sidelined for the remainder of the season, Barton continued to play good basketball to help fill the void of Murray’s production before he aggravating his hamstring in late April. Barton has a $14.8 Million player option at the end of the season that he can choose to pick up, but if he declines, he would make sense as a replacement to Jeremy Lamb.

Barton is a scoring guard, putting up nearly 13 PPG, and has done it with efficiency. Shooting a career-best 38% from three, Barton can score at all three levels, which would present defenses with a hard task paired alongside Sabonis. If Barton leaves Denver, he would be a solid fit for a decent price that could be a phenomenal sixth-man and very capable starter, if needed.

Jeremy Lamb Replacement Target for the Indiana Pacers: Evan Fournier

Going from a lottery destined Orlando Magic team to a contending Boston team has led to Evan  Fournier‘s usage taking a dive. Fournier was scoring about 20 PPG in Orlando, but with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, he now plays a complimentary role in Boston, putting up nearly 13 PPG, on less shot attempts. He is somewhat of a liability on defense, but he is really crafty offensively.

Fournier is often labeled as a pure scorer, but he is a decent playmaker who isn’t afraid to make the extra pass and pass a teammate open for a look. With his ability to score off the dribble, off the catch, and get a teammate a quality shot opportunity, Evan “Don’t Google” Fournier is a fun player that could fit really well in Indiana, especially under Coach Bjorkgren’s high tempo offense.

Jeremy Lamb Replacement Target for the Indiana Pacers: Tim Hardaway Jr.

One of the most under-appreciated players in the game, Tim Hardaway Jr. continues to put up big numbers year after year. With Kristaps Porzingis out for almost half the season, Hardaway Jr. has been the second option in many games alongside the incredible Luka Doncic. In his two full seasons with Dallas, Hardaway Jr. has been a pain to defend, scoring 16 PPG on 44% FG and 40% 3P%.

Mostly coming off the bench, Hardaway Jr. is a spark plug and an offensive threat from all spots. He is a guy that can will you back into a lead in the second unit, which is the type of player the Pacers have missed desperately. If the Indiana Pacers are able to have a chance at Hardaway Jr. this offseason, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to consider throwing him a good offer.