The Pacers could steal this do-it-all forward from a title contender

With the league currently facing a slew of player extensions with the 2022-23 NBA season officially beginning in a few days, some remain at an impasse with their current clubs. While the Indiana Pacers are not in the same situation, the front office could closely monitor one situation in hopes of snagging a potential contributor for the team in the future.

The Pacers roster has a rich selection of talented guards, wings, and bigs, but the team is definitely lacking in the forward positions. In fact, the squad is not expected to slot in a natural forward in the starting unit next season.

Hence, this do-it-all forward could be someone whom the team could target in free agency next year to fill in their roster hole.

The Indiana Pacers should try to steal this do-it-all forward from a title contender

Grant Williams‘ production number-wise will not jump at you, but the burly forward has been a significant part of the Boston Celtics’ uprise in the last couple of years. After coming into the league as a raw utility player, the 23-year-old has begun to come into his own as a versatile two-way player who, while not having an eye-popping skill, will always find a way to impact winning.

The Tennessee product can solidly play all frontcourt positions, particularly thriving as a small-ball big man who can function as a secondary release valve on offense while being a very respectable threat from downtown, having drained 41.1 percent of his triples last season on moderate volume.

On defense, he can hold his own against physical opponents, with Boston often trotting him out to check the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo in spurts. But more impressively, Williams is very useful in switch-heavy tactics, never yielding even switched onto quicker and more agile players.

With the Pacers sorely missing this utility and versatility from the forward position, save for Oshae Brissett, whose role remains unclear, the front office should closely monitor his situation in Boston, where both sides remain at a deadlock on a contract extension with the deadline rapidly looming.

Grant Williams may not be the sexiest name that can push the Indiana Pacers over the top, but for an overly raw team like the Blue and Gold, someone who can piece the squad together on both ends of the floor is the first step towards nurturing a solid on-court identity.