The Indiana Pacers have struggled to get reliable forwards in their rotation. Currently players like Jalen Smith and Oshae Brissett are only interim fixes until a reliable long-term power forward can be found.
Even more, they have struggled to get free agents to sign in Indiana. Lucky for Pacers’ fans, there are multiple free agents that are about to become available this summer that would benefit the Pacers’ rotation greatly. Here are five free agents that the Pacers would benefit from pursuing in the offseason.
5. Kevin Love
Kevin Love is not a perfect fit, I don’t think anyone is going to argue that. His best days are clearly behind him and he doesn’t fit the Pacers’ age timeline on the team in any way.
22-23 stat line: 9.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2 assists, 41% FG
What he does provide would be veteran leadership in the locker room and finals experience that is rare on the Indiana Pacers squad. The hope would be that they wouldn’t have to pay him much to bring in the experience, and Love is still good enough to start in the NBA, at least short term. Perhaps he could come in and mentor the younger players.
4. Jerami Grant
Jerami Grant was hopeful to join a contender when he went out to Portland after his short stint in Detroit. Unfortunately, to date, the date has not necessarily gone well. The Portland Trailblazers are not performing at a high level and have been relatively disappointing. Jerami may be looking for a change in scenary with a promising young team. Sound like anyone you know?
22-23 stat line: 22.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 49% FG
Grant is an efficient scorer who is able to defend other forwards at a high level. While Jerami is never going to be an elite player, he is one that could easily slot onto a playoff or contending team.
3. PJ Washington
The Pacers could really stand to benefit from the horrific season the Hornets have had to date this year. PJ Washington is scheduled to finish up his first contract, and will be looking for his next opportunity. And given the Hornets have been awful this year, there is a chance he will be looking for a change in scenery.
22-23 stat line: 15.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 43% FG
While not as impressive a stat line as others on this list, he may be more attainable and is big and quick enough to guard the type of forwards the Pacers usually struggle with.
2. Christian Wood
It may be hard for the Pacers to get Wood to leave his new situation in Dallas. Playing alongside of Luka Doncic would be hard to beat anywhere. However, Christian Wood has long showed that he is a unique player that could really contribute to a playoff team. Additionally, his timeline is closer to the Pacers compared to others on this list.
22-23 stat line: 18.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 55% FG
Wood is an efficient scorer and a decent defender that the Pacers could benefit from having on the court starting for them. He likely would thrive in the pick and roll with Haliburton. However, given that Wood has struggled in certain situations, this could potentially be a risk for the Pacers.
1. Grant Williams
Last season there was some momentum for trying to get Grant Williams to the Pacers and its easy to see why. Williams is a defensive minded forward that also shoots an excellent three ball.
22-23 stat line: 8.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 51%
Williams doesn’t require the ball to be effective which would be useful on a team like the Pacers with so many ball-dominate guards. His young age would also be an excellent match for the Pacers. Although we might be dreaming, perhaps Indiana could lure the young forward away from Boston.