Indiana Pacers: Way-too-early predictions for the offseason

The Indiana Pacers lose both Doug McDermott and TJ McConnell for new vets

Naturally, the Indiana Pacers will be better served keeping impending free agents Doug McDermott and TJ McConnell. After all, both of them had career years despite a down season and have shown to be among the best in the league at their roles—the former as a lethal bench sniper and scorer and the latter as a pesky playmaker who can instantly change the pace of the game.

Despite all those, the team will not be in position to be favorites to keep them. The only thing going for the Pacers is continuity. Other teams can offer a lot more money and a bigger shot at winning. Look for teams in need of shooting like the Knicks, Lakers and Mavericks to come calling on McDermott and teams in need of playmakers like the LA teams to inquire about McConnell.

Kevin Pritchard interjected the need for a veteran voice to fortify the locker room. With the big chance of losing the aforesaid players, Indiana will be more keen on replacing them with veteran cogs who can replace what they bring to the table while installing a bigger voice to lead the team next season and avoid uncharacteristic off-court mishaps.