With the 2022 NBA Free Agency just around the corner, the Indiana Pacers have a lot to ponder on. Perhaps one of the biggest questions surrounding them is what will they do with longtime Pacer Myles Turner, who has become a legitimate flight risk for the franchise.
While eligible for an extension, the Pacers and the big man have not been reported to have substantial traction to come to terms on a deal, paving the way for him to explore unrestricted free agency in the next offseason.
Hence, Indiana should prepare for his possible exit, which looms even bigger considering the non-stop rumor mill pronouncing yet again the likelihood of a trade.
The Indiana Pacers should consider pursuing this free agent big man as a possible Myles Turner replacement
One possible replacement that the Indiana Pacers should put a laser on in free agency is Bobby Portis. After taking a massive discount to return to the Milwaukee Bucks in the previous offseason for their title defense, many now expect him to decline his $4.6 million player option and enter the market.
The Bucks have shown all indications that they want him back, but with the 2021 champions already boasting one of the most expensive rosters in the league, there is a sizeable chance that they lose him in free agency, especially if they fail to find a taker for Brook Lopez.
Thus, the Pacers would be wise to poach Portis from their division mates. Not only does the 27-year-old project as a cheaper alternative to Myles Turner, but he is also coming off two, productive seasons in Milwaukee that projects to give Indiana someone who can seamlessly fill Turner’s shoes should he be traded.
Over the last two seasons, Portis has been one of the best three-point shooting big men in the league, canning 41.8 percent of his threes on good volume. Better yet, he has improved tremendously on defense, thriving as a secondary rim protector next to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Lopez even if his blocking numbers have been far from impressive.
Also, his presence on the boards has been massive. Despite playing just 24.6 minutes per contest in the last couple of years, he registered 8.1 rebounds per outing, making him one of the better rebounders in the association even in a more limited offering.
While Myles Turner can oce again brave through the smoke and remain in the Circle City, the Indiana Pacers should make it a point to strengthen their frontcourt, notwithstanding his presence on the team. Bobby Portis will not only give the team a very good big man who can play off the bench and start games, but his skillset is something the team can leverage on to finally settle the longstanding Turner debacle.