After Myles Turner shockingly joined the Milwaukee Bucks earlier this offseason, the Indiana Pacers are now in a tough situation where they have to replace their long-time big man. As it stands, it seems like the team will run a center-by-committee. This is not ideal, especially given that none of their options are proven centers, but every one of them brings a lot to the table, and it might work out for the team after all.
Replacing Turner was always going to be a challenge for Indiana. Despite his flaws, he is fantastic at stretching the floor and protecting the rim. Additionally, he was able to run the floor in their offense, which not many big men can do.
Instead of committing to a one-for-one replacement for the Texas native, the Pacers are instead going to let a few players fight it out. This summer, they re-signed James Wiseman and Isaiah Jackson, traded for Jay Huff, and exercised Tony Bradley's team option. While none of these players are bona fide starters, especially on a contending team, they each bring something to the table that could make this committee work even better than fans may expect.
Each Pacers center has something to prove next season
One of the most interesting aspects of the Pacers' center situation is that everybody involved in the committee has something to prove, which provides them and the team a great opportunity to make something magical happen.
Jackson is fresh off an Achilles injury and is the presumed starting center for next season. He has been a solid backup to Turner over the past few seasons, but now, he will be tasked with replacing him. Furthermore, many are reportedly baffled by the Michigan native's extension, giving him even more bulletin board material.
Like Jackson, Wiseman is also coming off an Achilles injury. He looked solid in his limited run with the Pacers last season, and now he will have an opportunity to not only showcase that he can still provide value after his injury, but he will also aim to finally shed his "bust" label once and for all.
In his only season with the Grizzlies last year, Huff broke out and looked like he could be a legitimate contributor in the league. However, he has yet to play an expanded role, and he is already on his fifth team in as many years. It is clear that the 27-year-old has talent, but whether he can make an impact at an even higher level remains to be seen.
The Pacers signed Bradley after more than two years away from the NBA, and he enjoyed a bit of a resurgence. Bradley came up big a few times during the playoffs and proved he deserves another shot. After exercising his team option, the former first-round pick is getting exactly that. However, he deal is non-guaranteed, and he is currently viewed as the most likely cut candidate between the Pacers' centers.
As Indiana looks to remain in title contention, they will have a lot of questions they need to answer next season. This includes what their center situation will look like. Whether anybody currently rostered is a long-term solution remains to be seen. However, there is a lot to like about what the team is doing, even if it does not look great at the moment.