Indiana Pacers: 3 lessons from the Bucks’ NBA Finals victory

The Indiana Pacers should exhibit more financial leeway to attract stars and encourage longevity

Despite the Milwaukee Bucks’ recent success, a lot of people raised their eyebrows when the team handed out ultra-lucrative contracts to Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday, two star players who haven’t proven themselves as championship-viable second and third fiddles next to Giannis prior to winning the title.

However, as the Larry O’Brien trophy now resides in the Cream City, their stout spending quickly proved its worth. Small markets face a fundamental disadvantage next to their big market counterparts who are in better economic situations, and it is one of the biggest reasons why teams like the Indiana Pacers fail to attract big names in free agency or retain star players.

Still, spending is still pretty much up to the discretion of the ownership. There’s no doubt in my mind that the franchise’s ownership is all in for winning, but cowering in the face of loftier salary demands can only take you so far. It’s virtually impossible to conjure a championship blueprint without an open pocket.

Indiana isn’t the premier free agent destination, but money trumps most dimensions of star retention and the free agency game. If the Pacers start showing a lot more willingness to spend, which is becoming a bigger priority more than ever today with the league’s across the board salary cap increases, then the franchise can arguably compete with more attractive destinations to bid for bigger free agent names and retain their own cornerstones, like what the Bucks did.