As the rest of the NBA recovers from the shock of the Damian Lillard-to-the-Milwaukee Bucks trade and the inevitable Jrue Holiday deal that will follow, the Indiana Pacers training camp is about to begin, and they should keep their focus internal.
While there’s a chance Indiana could get in on the Holiday madness, they don’t necessarily need to. Outside of the Buddy Hield debacle, which GM Chad Buchanan tried to suppress, the Pacers should have no outside noise.
Tyrese Haliburton is at the wheel, Myles Turner is looking to build on a career season, and guys like Bennedict Mathurin, Andrew Nembhard, and Jarace Walker will be looking to grow as players.
So, as the Pacers enter training camp, which officially begins on October 3, with the first preseason game on October 8, rather than focusing on trade rumors and drama, here are three Indiana camp battles to keep an eye on.
3 Indiana Pacers training camp battles fans should watch out for: Backup center position
This battle was quite literally called out by GM Chad Buchanan, as he mentioned he’s excited to see Daniel Theis, Isaiah Jackson, and Jalen Smith compete for the majority of the backup center minutes.
Theis’ veteran presence in the middle could give him the edge, especially if the Pacers are looking to compete for a playoff spot next year. He just won a FIBA World Cup with Germany and provides solid screening, interior defense, and leadership.
Jackson, on the other hand, may be the most intriguing big man option of the bunch. At just 21 years old, Jackson has elite athleticism and is a solid shot-blocking presence in need of developmental minutes.
As for Smith, his three-point shooting makes him a nice option for the Pacers to consider based on what he brings to the floor. Plus, he’s also young at just 23 years old.