Pacers must pursue these 3 big men to fix one of their biggest flaws

A 1-3 start to the 2024-25 NBA season is not what the Indiana Pacers and their front office had planned. After winning against the Detroit Pistons last week, Rick Carlisle's team has dropped three straight.

The Pacers were blown out on the road last Friday at Madison Square Garden by the New York Knicks. Sunday, Tyrese Haliburton and company lost in overtime at home against the Philadelphia 76ers. Paul George and Joel Embiid did not play, either, for the visiting team.

Following Monday night's heartbreaking four-point loss to the Orlando Magic, the phone may be dialing out for some help. Indiana is in need of rebounding help, defensive improvements, and more consistent scoring.

Last season's best offensive team is struggling to recreate those same numbers this year. Much worse, their defense has continued to suffer as well.

On Monday night, Orlando's star player Paulo Banchero went off for 50 points, including 37 in the first half. Despite this being Indiana's first game collecting more than 40 rebounds this season, they were still outrebounded.

The Pacers should pursue one of these 3 centers

1. Jalen Duren, Detroit Pistons

The Pacers may not have to look very far for the rebounding help and defensive assistance they seek. They got to see the Pistons' starting center upfront in the first game of the season.

Duren scored 13 points and pulled down 13 boards in the season opener last Wednesday. He also distributed the ball well and recorded four assists. Despite taking just 15 shots so far this year, Duren has only missed twice. He also has more assists than turnovers early on, too.

While Myles Turner is scoring more for the Pacers by nearly 4.5 points, he is a free agent this year. Moving on from the 10-year veteran and parting with another first-round pick could be worth it for the Pistons.

Duren is also still under contract for another season beyond this one. That would give the Pacers control of his deal if they chose to do so. He may also be more affordable than Turner to retain.

The opportunity for Duren to play for a playoff contender could be a jolt for both the player and the team should this transaction be made.

2. Walker Kessler, Utah Jazz

With just as many years of service in the league as Duren, the Jazz's starting center also appears to be lucrative to other teams. The New Orleans Pelicans have also been linked to reports that they are interested in him along with the Pacers.

Utah is rumored to want a pair of first-round picks for Kessler. However, their trade expectations for Lauri Markkanen did not pan out this past summer. Thus, a trade involving Turner and the Pacers' first-round pick may entice the Utah Jazz's front office.

In a stacked Western Conference, Kessler's current team is realistically a year or two a way from being a potential playoff team. Should he be shipped to Indiana, he could be a difference maker for the Pacers.

Entering Monday's games, Kessler is averaging nine points and 11.5 rebounds per contest. His field goal percentage is slightly better than Duren's, but he has also only taken half as many shots.

The former Auburn University Tiger blocked five shots against the Memphis Grizzlies in his season debut. He followed that up with one more in his next game.

Kessler is on pace to have his career-best in rebounds, blocks, and scoring. He is also on pace to outdo his previous highs in assists and free-throw percentage. This is another area of concern for the Pacers and might be worth the phone call.

3. Nick Richards, Charlotte Hornets

Back in the Eastern Conference, a familiar foe also may not be a playoff contender, but the Charlotte Hornets have a player who could be worth a deal.

After scoring just six points and grabbing eight boards, Richards has logged back-to-back double-doubles in the Hornets' last two games.

The former Kentucky Wildcat is 7'0'' and 245 pounds of tenacious athleticism. Richards is younger than Turner and Siakam. Charlotte's front office may like pairing Turner with LaMelo Ball.

Hornets' starting center Mark Williams is nursing a foot injury. Upon his return, Richards' minutes could be cut. If the Pacers brought him on, he could see more playing time and be a permanent starter along with Haliburton and Siakam.

Indiana should not be afraid to part with first-round picks like they did last February in the deal with the Toronto Raptors for Siakam.

Richards is also under contract through next season and would be a more affordable option than re-signing Turner. The Pacers are in win-now mode and need to be aggressive in their approach to turning their season around.