The Indiana Pacers are still looking for their solution at center after Myles Turner joined the Milwaukee Bucks in free agency. For now, their idea is to run a center-by-committee, though that hasn't worked out as well as they had hoped to begin the season.
If Indiana wants to re-enter the title picture sooner rather than later, it is crucial that it finds a long-term center solution. There is a chance that the team's center of the future is already on the roster, but if not, they will have to look for external options. Unfortunately for them, arguably their best opportunity to secure their next center this season is no longer on the table.
According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler will undergo surgery on his left shoulder that will sideline him for the rest of the season.
In five games this season, the 24-year-old averaged 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.8 blocks while shooting 70.3% from the field.
Walker Kessler could have been a great acquisition for the Pacers
Kessler had developed into a legitimate key player for Utah in his three NBA seasons before this one. But even so, the Jazz did not sign him to a contract extension in the offseason, meaning he will most likely hit restricted free agency next year.
This has led some people to anticipate that a trade could be on the horizon, with the Pacers being a solid destination for him. However, following the Georgia native's injury, that seems to no longer be a viable possibility.
Kessler provides a lot of value in areas that Indiana would greatly benefit from. He is a fantastic rebounder, leading the league in offensive rebounds last season with 4.6 per game, and he is a legitimate paint presence and rim protector. The 7-foot big man is also very efficient as a scorer underneath the basket.
Indiana could ultimately have its solution. It doesn't look pretty right now, but maybe their center-by-committee will turn into a strength by the end of the season. Or at the very least, maybe Isaiah Jackson will continue to solidify his case as the team's best long-term center option. Regardless, the Pacers can't be complacent, especially as they aim to re-establish themselves as title contenders once they get healthy.
The Pacers will have to keep an eye on their uncertain center situation and decide the best way to move forward. What exactly that amounts to remains to be seen, but at least for the time being, they just lost another potential option following Kessler's injury, and that is far from ideal.