Indiana Pacers: 3 players impacted the most by Chris Duarte

Does this change how the Indiana Pacers view Doug McDermott?

The biggest question in free agency is centered on the future of Doug McDermott. Coming off a career year, McDermott has earned himself a significant paycheck this summer with several contending teams presumably in the mix to make an offer. Indiana is already strapped for cash and cannot offer the same championship aspirations as other squads.

McDermott was very good for Indiana last year and will continue to be a reliable bench threat moving forward. His ability as a shooter and a cutter was on full display last season, making him a hot commodity in free agency this summer. While a reunion with Rick Carlisle would be great for all parties, I think his future resides elsewhere.

Simply put, the Pacers have a lot of players already fighting for playing time in the second unit. With T.J. McConnell likely coming back, the bench will have several proven players to rely on with or without McDermott. McConnell, Duarte, Justin Holiday, Oshae Brissett, Edmond Sumner, and Goga Bitadze are all deserving of minutes.

Letting McDermott walk and saving the money is definitely something I would prefer, rather than forcing the issue and making the rotation a mess for next season. The Pacers can make things work without Doug while also letting him chase a ring as a quality bench player on a contender.