Latest Pacers intel point to the team possibly making a big mistake

The Indiana Pacers did not have much luck in the recently concluded 2023 NBA Draft Lottery (unlike a certain follow small market team), but things are expected to remain on the upbeat side for the franchise as they head to a crucial offseason after a relatively successful season.

Now officially in possession of the seventh overall pick in one of the most highly anticipated draft classes in decades, the Pacers have yet another chance to enrich their already-commendable group of young players to comprise their core. However, the latest intel surrounding the franchise points to the team making a big mistake.

Latest Pacers intel suggests a risky, impatient direction for the franchise

With Indiana having not one, but three  first-rounders in their arsenal for the upcoming draft, the team is reportedly looking to consolidate their assets and package them in a trade for some veteran reinforcements.

"The Indiana Pacers didn’t have any lottery luck and stayed with the seventh pick at the 2023 NBA Draft Lottery. Indiana now holds picks #7, #26 (via Cleveland) and #29 (via Boston) in next month’s draft.That’s for now, at least. The Pacers are exploring options of trading those picks for veteran talent. Indiana reportedly also did so ahead of the trade deadline in February."

The East is still ran by veteran teams vying for contention. Hence, young teams on the rise like the Pacers will be best-served exhibiting more patience in roster-building by letting their roster grown organically as they aim to capitalize on closing championship windows.

Alas, the 2023 draft class is far from bereft of talent and upside, making it one of the most ideal avenues for the team to optimize their barrage of draft picks. Trading them for more veteran help — which already provide some impediment to their roster-building philosophy — seems counterintuitive.

If the front office is keen on consolidating their picks, it should be for the purpose of moving up in the draft, not veering away from it altogether. Exhibiting caution in managing their draft capital is of utmost imperative, and tabbing the upcoming rookie batch as dispensable commodities would be like jumping the gun.

Nevertheless, the Indiana Pacers are in full control of their destiny, especially considering their robust armory heading into one of the best draft classes ever. Hopefully, the front office can remain committed to thinking long-term and bigger.