Predicting the Pacers' perfect starting lineup after ideal offseason
By Tyler Watts
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.