After Myles Turner signed with the Milwaukee Bucks, it seems that the Indiana Pacers are planning to run a committee at the center spot. The only problem, however, is that none of their current centers are good enough to start in the NBA Finals. At least as it stands.
The Pacers made their first NBA Finals appearance in over two decades last season. While they are unlikely to achieve the same feat next year, they still have a bright future. Another NBA Finals appearance is still very much in play for Indiana down the line. However, in order for them to make it happen, they need to figure it out at center.
As it stands, the Pacers will likely use next season as an opportunity to experiment with the roster and see what sticks and what doesn't. With Tyrese Haliburton out for the entire season due to an Achilles injury, this is the right call. One of the main narratives to follow will be what happens with Indiana's center position. They have a lot of time to figure it out. However, if they want to re-establish themselves as title threats, they need to do so sooner rather than later.
The Pacers have an interesting center outlook for next season
Currently, the Pacers have four centers rostered--Isaiah Jackson, Jay Huff, James Wiseman, and Tony Bradley. The offseason is still young, but this seems like it is probably it for Indiana. Chances are they will not enter the season with four centers, though, so training camp and preseason will be incredibly important for these players.
What makes Indiana's situation intriguing is that each big man offers value in different ways. Huff is a solid stretch big with defensive value (think a Turner-lite type of player), Bradley brings a lot of rebounding value, and Wiseman provides size and arguably the most potential. However, the current favorite to take over the starting center spot is Jackson, who recently signed a three-year deal to remain in Indiana.
There is a lot to like about Jackson. He has been in Indiana the longest and is a great fit. Furthermore, he is physical and athletic, and he still has a lot of potential. There are reasons to be concerned about the 23-year-old being slated for a full-time role as he comes off an Achilles injury. However, if he can return to form (and evolve into a more well-rounded player), he could be the next center of the future in Indiana.
While there is some intrigue, one major problem remains: none of these players are good enough to be starters in the NBA Finals, which is where the Pacers are aiming to be again. A lot can change in a year, but this is still far from ideal for the team.
As they look to navigate through the post-Turner era, there will likely be some rough patches for the Pacers. Whether they can smooth it out or not may ultimately decide the team's long-term outlook. The Pacers need a legitimate starting center for when Haliburton returns. There are reasons to think that player might already be on the roster. However, until something (or someone) breaks through, their center situation will be a big problem for the Pacers.