Kobe Brown is set to hit unrestricted free agency this summer, and there probably isn't a spot for him on the Indiana Pacers' roster if they keep their pick (AJ Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer, and Caleb Wilson are all forwards). But the 26-year-old has played well enough during his short stint with the Pacers and has shown he can be a real contributor.
Since joining the Pacers as part of the Ivica Zubac-Bennedict Mathurin trade, Brown has averaged 8.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists while shooting 49.6% from the field and 43.9% from deep in 21 games. This includes a fantastic game against the Miami Heat on Sunday, when he recorded a career-high 18 points on 7-for-11 shooting, five assists, four rebounds, one steal, and a block in 33 minutes off the bench.
Brown is far from Indiana's most important player, and that will especially be true once Tyrese Haliburton is back on the court next season. But he's playing the best basketball of his NBA career right now and is fully showcasing his talents.
Re-signing him in the offseason shouldn't be the Pacers' top priority this summer, but they shouldn't rule it out either.
What should the Pacers do with Kobe Brown?
It's a bit of a boring answer, but it really does depend on what happens in the draft this year. If Indiana's pick ultimately goes to the Clippers (which it will if it lands in the 5-9 range), then there might ultimately be a spot for Brown, who has already made an impact during his time with the team.
After making his Pacers debut against the Feb. 10 against the New York Knicks, Brown got the stamp of approval from head coach Rick Carlisle.
"He played great," Carlisle said about Brown. "He was the biggest plus on the team. He's an interesting player. This is the first time I've really studied him playing. He does a lot of good things. He's a basketball player. He had a couple incredible offensive rebounds, so that's a skill that he brings to the table. He hit an outside shot. He made a drive. He's got good feel. This is a great opportunity for him coming to us at this particular point in time."
The Alabama native is never going to be the best player on the court, but he still provides a lot of value. If his three-point shot stays consistent, he can be a reliable three-level scorer. He is also a solid playmaker and rebounder, and he plays with a lot of energy.
If the Pacers can sign him to a cheap contract (most likely a minimum deal), it would be a no-brainer of a decision. He provides depth and can play solid minutes whenever he's on the court.
Ultimately, if Indiana keeps its pick and selects one of the top prospects in the draft, Brown will likely be as good as gone. It would be hard for him to get minutes over Dybantsa/Boozer/Wilson, Jarace Walker, Pascal Siakam, and Obi Toppin, and it would probably be better for everyone involved if the team opted to let him walk and let him get an opportunity elsewhere.
Regardless, there's a lot to like about Brown and what he has shown in Indiana so far. And if he can end this season on a high note, then it might make the team's decision that much more difficult.