Predicting the Pacers' perfect starting lineup after ideal offseason

C: Myles Turner

Turner has been in trade rumors for years, and those likely return this summer. The 6’11 big man is entering the final year of his contract and is set to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2025. The Pacers want to keep Turner, but things could change depending on the player’s desires.

Turner averaged 17.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.9 blocks in 27.0 minutes per game this season. He shot 35.8 percent from 3-point range but had a negative defensive box score plus-minus. Turner’s defense has slipped over the last two years, which causes concern for a team that finished 24th in defensive rating.

His minutes and production ticked up in the playoffs. The Pacers desperately need his rim protection and floor spacing ability. In their ideal offseason, the 28-year-old big man is back and has improved. The franchise is a serious threat with an upgrade on the wing and small gains from their current talent.

The Indiana Pacers must improve their roster after their conference finals run. There is no time to celebrate their success. This should only be the beginning, but it will take a strong offseason for Indiana to keep building. Consider the pressure on the front office to make it happen.