The Indiana Pacers were dealt a tall task after Myles Turner's shocking decision to join the Milwaukee Bucks in the offseason. They had to find a way to replace their former long-time big man. And while he wasn't perfect, Turner was a fantastic fit in Indiana because of his ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim. Finding someone to replicate his impact, especially in one offseason, was always going to be difficult.
So what did the Pacers do? They decided to rely on multiple players to replace Turner's value. These center-by-committees don't always work, but there were reasons to believe that things could be different for the Pacers. They were never going to find a one-for-one replacement for the Texas native right away, and Rick Carlisle has experience with this strategy, particularly during his time as the Dallas Mavericks' head coach.
However, so far, Indiana's center situation is leaving a lot to be desired. The team already waived James Wiseman, Tony Bradley hasn't been too impressive, and Isaiah Jackson and Jay Huff are both way too inconsistent to be long-time starters for the team.
As the Pacers continue looking for their ideal Turner replacement, there is one clear decision they need to make: find a legitimate starter in the offseason.
The Pacers need to make a change at center
For this season, it makes sense to just let it rock with what they have. The Pacers began the season with a 2-15 record and are in a better position to win the draft lottery than a playoff game. Since they're not competing, it is in the team's best interest to just let Jackson, Huff, and Bradley have as many opportunities as they can. Because who knows, maybe they will show something by the end of the season.
That's unlikely, though, and it's more probable that the Pacers will just look elsewhere in the offseason.
There is a lot to like about the guys they currently have in the committee. Jackson is incredibly athletic, even after coming off an Achilles injury. Huff is like a Turner-lite (in theory) because they have similar skillsets, and Bradley is a solid rebounder. However, these three clearly aren't enough. And if the Pacers want to make another finals run soon, they need to make some additions.
Bradley is probably gone after this season. He is fine, but he's replaceable and hasn't shown much this season. The Florida native is averaging just 2.9 rebounds in 12.9 minutes per game, and his defense has taken a big step back.
Huff had a slow start but is seemingly turning things around, averaging 9.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 2.2 blocks while shooting 37.9% from deep in his last five games. He can stay past this season as a backup, though, because he is very slow on defense, and when his shot isn't falling, he doesn't provide much offensive value.
As for Jackson, he's technically playing fine. He has started 13 of 17 games this season and still utilizes his athleticism and energy to his advantage. However, that's part of the problem: he's just fine.
Nobody expected the Michigan native to become an All-NBA player this season, but he's not showing much to prove he can be a full-time starter for a Pacers team that could make it back to the NBA Finals soon. He is averaging 7.9 points and 5.9 rebounds in 19.2 minutes per game while shooting 56% from the field.
Jackson will likely have a long-time role with the Pacers because of his age and overall solid fit, but only as a backup.
Where do the Pacers go from here?
Indiana may have some options at center in the offseason.
Deandre Ayton, who is playing well for the Los Angeles Lakers this season, has a player option for next year and could be a free agent. Players like Walker Kessler (RFA) and Yves Missi could be potential trade candidates in the summer. And, the Pacers are potentially going to have a top pick in next year's draft, which could end up with them drafting PF/C Cam Boozer from Duke.
The Pacers may not be able to replace Turner, but they can certainly find an upgrade over what they have now. And if they are serious about re-establishing themselves as championship contenders sooner rather than later, then this is exactly what they need to do.