Predicting the Pacers' perfect starting lineup after ideal offseason

The Pacers must upgrade their roster again to take the next step.

Indiana Pacers, Pascal Siakam, Tyrese Haliburton
Indiana Pacers, Pascal Siakam, Tyrese Haliburton | Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
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SF: Dorian Finney-Smith

The Nets’ offseason plans are difficult to pinpoint. They do not control their draft picks, so tanking seems unlikely. Brooklyn’s current roster finished 32-50 and missed the Play-In Tournament, so standing pat is not an option. The Nets have to choose a direction and pursue it.

Trading from their glut of wings makes sense. Finney-Smith has been in trade rumors for over a year, and the Nets have rebuffed significant offers. It may finally be the time to make a move. Doe-Doe has two years left on his contract and could reunite with his former coach.

Finney-Smith signed with the Mavericks as an undrafted free agent in 2016. He had a subpar jumper and serious questions about his role in the NBA, but Rick Carlisle helped him become a plus-shooter and defender. Doe-Doe thrived in Carlisle’s five-out system with an elite point guard creating open shots. All of that could return in Indiana.

The Pacers may be able to acquire Dorian Finney-Smith for a first-round draft pick. Trading draft capital is always risky for a small market team, but Indiana should go all-in. They need a 3-and-D wing and should look to land one before bringing back their free agents. It won’t be easy, but the Pacers know this is their chance.  

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