The Indiana Pacers are in the middle of one of the most magical and memorable playoff runs of any team in NBA history. But as they sit just two wins away from the franchise's first ever NBA championship, there's one thing the front office will want to be looking for in the draft once the series is over: A backup big man that can play behind Myles Turner.
I understand that no one in Indiana wants to talk about the draft right now. As it should be. With that said, it's still something the front office has to consider during this series with the draft being just 12 days away. Regardless of the outcome of the NBA Finals, Indiana's biggest offseason need is still clear.
Especially after this playoff run, Myles Turner will be remembered in Indiana for decades. Pacers fans will be sitting around 40 years from now telling their grandchildren about how Turner was the longest-tenured member of this Finals team. They'll recall watching him go up against legends like Tim Duncan in his rookie year and be featured in endless trade rumors for years before being an integral part of an NBA Finals team.
The Pacers may want to draft a backup big man
Turner has been one of Indiana's central pieces for seemingly forever, and he's been a rock when it comes to providing rim protection and floor spacing at the center position. As beloved as Myles rightfully is in Indianapolis, the Pacers are eventually going to need to find a successor with number 33 set to turn 30 years old next season.
While that's not an old age in the NBA per se, it's still a reminder that Indiana should be beginning to make preparations for life after Turner. Especially if they are hoping to remain a Finals contender with Tyrese Haliburton at the helm for years to come. Rick Carlisle is a coaching genius, and guys like Pascal Siakam, Andrew Nembhard and others will be key to the Pacers' contending status. But getting an apprentice to Turner should be a priority as well.
Indiana's roster doesn't currently have a reliable backup center that can both protect the rim and fit in with the Pacers' fast style of play. Isaiah Jackson's shown some solid flashes, but it's a little unclear how consistent he can be in the long run.
Of course, the June 25 draft will present Indiana with the perfect opportunity to address this need. If the Pacers can really pull off a slam dunk on draft night, it will put them that much closer to remaining a Finals contender for years to come.