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Pacers reportedly have interest in NBA champion with ties to Rick Carlisle

By Elie Deglaoui

Nov 29, 2018; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Nike basketball sneakers worn by Los Angeles Lakers center JaVale McGee (7) are seen during a game against the Indiana Pacers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Nov 29, 2018; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Nike basketball sneakers worn by Los Angeles Lakers center JaVale McGee (7) are seen during a game against the Indiana Pacers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images / Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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To begin the season, the Indiana Pacers have already dealt with multiple unlucky injuries, especially at the center position. James Wiseman, who signed with the team this past offseason, suffered an Achilles injury in the first quarter of his first game with the team. While not official, it is very likely Wiseman will miss the rest of the season. Additionally, the team also lost backup big man Isaiah Jackson, who was primed for a breakout year, to an Achilles injury of his own.

These injuries have now left Myles Turner as the Pacers' only healthy center. While Turner is great, this is far from ideal, especially considering that he has already missed a game this season because of an injury.

While nothing is imminent yet, it seems like a foregone conclusion that the Pacers will add another center to the roster soon. While there are very few exciting options remaining, the Pacers are in no spot to be picky and will likely add a veteran big man in free agency, and per the latest reports, we have an idea of who specifically the Pacers are looking into.

Pacers are 'looking at' signing free agent center JaVale McGee

In a recent episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show, True Hoops' David Thorpe spoke about the Pacers' plans to add a backup center to replace Wiseman and Jackson. Thorpe revealed that the Pacers have interest in three-time champion JaVale McGee, though it is unknown how far their interest goes.

"I'm hearing they're looking at JaVale McGee. That doesn't excite me if I'm a Pacer fan, but I understand it," Thorpe said. "He has athleticism, he can jump still, he's played for a long time, or he's sat the bench for a long time."

McGee is a 16-year NBA veteran who most recently played 46 games for the Sacramento Kings last season. On the year, he averaged 4 points on 59.8% shooting and 2.7 rebounds in 7.4 minutes per game. While Thorpe is right about him not being an exciting pickup, McGee still offers a lot of value and has championship experience. Additionally, he played for Rick Carlisle with the Dallas Mavericks during the 2015-16 season.

The Michigan native is past his prime and has not had a consistent starting role since he was with the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2019-20 campaign. Nonetheless, he is a solid low-risk option.

There is a lot of time left in the season, but the Pacers would certainly be better off if they add an extra big man sooner rather than later, whether it is McGee or somebody else. For the time being, the Pacers will rely more heavily on Turner in the starting lineup and give small-ball center minutes to Pascal Siakam and Obi Toppin.

You can watch the entire episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show here:

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