Oddsmaker bares ludicrous Russell Westbrook to Indiana Pacers chances

With the 2022 NBA Draft looming, the Indiana Pacers are all geared up to do all the apt measures as they are slated to pick with their highest selection yet in 30 years. That, however, has not stopped distractions from popping up, with one betting site pitching a very sizable — and very ludicrous — chance for the team to somehow be the landing spot for Russell Westbrook.

We have explicated before why the Westbrook to Pacers noise should be buried for good, but it seems that the trend of cudgeling unwanted commodities onto small-market teams as a saving grace for the errors of their big-market counterparts has percolated even into the zone of mere odds.

The Indiana Pacers are laughably projected to be the most likely landing spot for Russell Westbrook

Somehow, without even the slightest of window on their part to consent to such idea, the Indiana Pacers have been assigned a horrible 3/1 odds by BetOnline at being the next home for Russell Westbrook, the former MVP who is widely believed to don his fifth different uniform in as many seasons in the following campaign. After a miserable year with the Los Angeles Lakers, the all-time leader in triple-doubles has subtly expressed his desire to venture out.

While Westbrook going elsewhere makes complete sense for him, the Pacers being the team that welcomes him with open arms is a disgruntling thought. Not only has Indiana historically avoided absorbing or inking massive contracts, but from a direction standpoint, there is virtually zero incentive for the Blue and Gold to subrogate for the Lakers, especially with the latter having little to no draft assets to even strike a conversation with the Pacers brass.

Also, while Indiana would be better off finding new homes for their veteran cogs like Malcolm Brogdon and Buddy Hield, they could easily do much better than simply dangling them to free up cap space in the form of Westbrook’s expiring contract. A good amount of win-now teams could find a use for both players while also having the requisite draft capital to entice the re-tooling Pacers.

So, despite what the oddsmakers say, do not bank on the Indiana Pacers shooting themselves in the foot by absorbing Russell Westbrook, the drama surrounding him, and his albatross contract. Good luck finding a team who would lend you a hand, Lakers brass.

Signed, the entirety of Indiana and the Pacers fanbase around the world.