Indiana Pacers: Ranking 3 biggest free agency needs

3. The Indiana Pacers need a reliable backup big

As the roster currently stands, the Indiana Pacers have an exciting one-two punch in the frontcourt with Isaiah Jackson and Indy staple Myles Turner leading the way, but beyond that, the depth chart is loaded with uncertainties.

Goga Bitadze’s future with the Pacers is very iffy at the moment, while Jalen Smith’s market could prove to be too stout for the team’s limit on how much they can offer him. Hence, loading the bench with a reliable big man who could step into the starting lineup in case of injuries will be very important, as their projected frontcourt starters are both injury-prone.

While the 2022 free agency class is not the most inspiring crop, the Pacers should have various options to fill in the bench big role. Former Pacers Thaddeus Young could be gettable, though he could prioritize playing for a contender at this point in his career. Another is Montrezl Harrell, who has a reputation for being a statistical monster as a sparkplug rim runner and mobile defender, while limited as a rim protector.

If the Pacers are to be more ambitious, Bobby Portis could be a lucrative addition, with the Bucks’ payroll cramping up. Indiana could also settle for reclamation projects such as Marvin Bagley III, Chris Boucher or make a run for Nic Claxton, who has shown promise in Brooklyn.