Indiana Pacers: One bold prediction for each starter in 2022-23

Indiana Pacers starting PF: Jalen Smith

Smith leads all big men in three-point field goals made

Jalen Smith’s return to the Pacers was perhaps the best thing to happen to the franchise in free agency. Now, the team will have him in the fold in a much bigger role, with Carlisle having already appointed him as the starting power forward next season.

Smith’s versatility as an offensive-minded big man who can play both inside and outside makes him a perfect fit for Indiana’s new high-motor attack. However, it is the three-point shot that makes him such a good, modern frontcourt prospect, and with a more robust role, that could be a point of emphasis for him.

Kevin Love led all big men last season in three-pointer made, finishing with 187 makes. Karl-Anthony Towns followed him with 150. Smith drained just 31 in the previous campaign, but that was in just 22 games and 24.7 minutes per outing. This is perhaps the boldest prediction here, but with the Pacers maximizing his offensive upside, it is definitely not impossible.