Predicting the Pacers' perfect starting lineup after ideal offseason
By Tyler Watts
PF: Pascal Siakam
The Pacers gave up Bruce Brown, Jordan Nwora, and three first-round draft picks to get Siakam in January. It was a hefty price to pay for an expiring contract. The pressure is on Indiana to re-sign him this summer. They know it will take a max deal and a promise to contend, but that is the nature of acquiring a star.
Both sides are confident a new deal will happen. The Pacers knew he would like to stay when they made the trade. Indiana will have spending concerns with Tyrese Haliburton and the two-time All-Star forward combining to make more than $90 million a year. Having two stars is never cheap, but remains necessary to contend for a championship.
Siakam averaged 21.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 31.8 minutes per game after joining the Pacers. He no longer led the league in minutes played, but his production remained elite. Siakam shot 38.6 percent from 3-point range, which is a plus for a career 33.0 percent marksmen.
Indiana’s ideal offseason means bringing back Siakam and upgrading on the wing. This should give the Pacers the best shot at contending next season. Their conference finals appearance raised expectations. Indiana needs everyone to step up to make a deep playoff run, including their center.