Indiana Pacers: Ranking 3 biggest free agency needs

Jalen Smith - Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Jalen Smith - Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Indiana Pacers
Indiana Pacers, Oshae Brissett – Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

1. The Indiana Pacers badly need another rangy defender

First of all, the Indiana Pacers are one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA this season, so this should be a no-brainer. Simply put, if the Pacers remain a putrid point-preventing unit next season, you can already bid adieu to their playoff chances in 2023.

The Pacers have Oshae Brissett, their best perimeter defender this season, but one man cannot change a team’s fortune, especially on defense. Indiana has largely gone with undersized wings to man the small forward spot in Chris Duarte and Buddy Hield, who are no defensive savants, justifying their meager defensive rating, all things considered.

Re-signing TJ Warren to a favorable deal could help solve things, but coming off an injury, relying solely on his defensive ascent with the Pacers in the 2019-20 season could be a frail prayer. Clearly, Indiana needs outside help to bolster their defense.

Fortunately, some rangy defenders who can guard multiple positions are gettable for the Pacers. Robert Covington, one of the league’s best help defenders and above average as a one-on-one defender, could be enticed with a slight overpay. Kyle Anderson, while an awkward fit pace-wise, has long been a positive asset on the defensive end. Jae’Sean Tate could be a younger option who fits the team’s timeline. Cheaper options include Derrick Jones Jr. and Josh Okogie, Minnesota’s seldom-used defensive specialist.

Next. Re-grading the Haliburton-Sabonis trade two months later. dark