The Indiana Pacers' best move for the rest of the season is to lose as many games as possible moving forward. Though the NBA may not like their "methods" of making this happen, it's the right call, and it looks like things are working themselves out.
Indiana is 0-4 since the All-Star break, and the team is 2-8 in its last 10 games. Additionally, with a 15-44 record, they are the second-worst team in the NBA (only ahead of the Sacramento Kings) and have a good chance to secure a top-four pick in this year's draft. Given that this year's draft class is expected to be one of the most talented ones in recent years, this is as good a time as any for the Pacers to stockpile some losses.
To most, the Pacers aren't actually tanking. They have dealt with injuries all season long (including to their star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who won't play at all this season due to a torn Achilles), and they have mostly struggled on the court in every area of the game.
Regardless of how they're getting there, the Pacers are better off just losing from here on out and going all in on next season and beyond.
The Pacers might have a unique opportunity in the draft
There is a lot of talent in this year's draft class, with many believing it's the best one in recent years.
Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, and Cam Boozer all have a real chance to get drafted first overall, and all three of them have what it takes to be game-changers in the NBA. Additionally, players like Caleb Wilson, Kingston Flemings, and Darius Acuff are all fantastic as well.
In theory, the Pacers would be happy to add any of these players to their roster as they look to re-enter the title picture next season. They already have a team that can contend (especially once Haliburton returns), and adding a top talent from this year's draft would be the cherry on top.
However, when they acquired Ivica Zubac from the Los Angeles Clippers at this year's trade deadline, they traded their first-round pick with heavy protections, making things much more interesting for them.
If the pick lands between 1-4 or 10-30, it stays with Indiana. But if it falls in the 5-9 range, it goes to the Clippers.
According to Tankathon.com, the Pacers currently have a 52.1% chance of landing a top-four pick in the draft and keeping their pick. And if they win too many games from here on out, that number could drop significantly.
Indiana already has an incredibly talented team, but they have a great opportunity to add a needle-moving piece to the roster. Hopefully for them, luck will fall on their side when it comes down to it.