Indiana Pacers: 4 free agent role players worth overpaying for

Avery Bradley will instantly bolster the Indiana Pacers’ perimeter defense

After the Indiana Pacers’ perplexing decline on defense last season, shoring up on that end of the floor is a must if the team wants to make noise in the Eastern Conference. It’s far from easy, but this team still has the core that led the team to a top-6 finish in defensive rating in the 2019-20 season.

To accelerate improvement on that end, Avery Bradley could be the perfect solution for Indiana’s mediocre defense, especially on fast break opportunities where the team ranked a paltry 24th. The two-time All-Defensive guard, known for his pesky, smart and aggressive defensive style, will certainly help the Pacers match up better against the likes of Trae Young, Kyrie Irving and Bradley Beal, among others.

Houston is unlikely to exercise their team option with a full-on rebuild at its crucial stage. While Bradley should come a tad cheaper than in previous years, the Pacers should be able to snag him away from pursuing contenders with an overpay, especially if TJ McConnell tests different waters in the offseason.