As we inch closer to the beginning of the 2024-25 NBA season, the Indiana Pacers remain an intriguing team. They are hoping to follow their impressive Eastern Conference Finals run last season up with another deep playoff run next year. Furthermore, based on their relatively quiet offseason, the Pacers believe they have the team to do it.
This offseason, the team re-signed Pascal Siakam, Obi Toppin, and James Johnson in free agency. Furthermore, they locked up Andrew Nembhard and T.J. McConnell on long-term contract extensions. The Pacers made very few external additions, which is a clear sign they think their current core is capable of winning a championship.
Only time will tell whether this is the right call or not. However, based on the youth of the team, as well as their natural progression and impressive campaign last season, Pacers fans are willing to believe it is the right move. Regardless, one thing is undeniably true about this Pacers team--they excel at finding hidden and undervalued talent and developing them into legitimate key players.
The Indiana Pacers have showcased their ability to find diamonds in the rough for years
In recent history, the Pacers have earned a reputation as a team that can develop numerous players and turn them into solid to great players. Perhaps the best current example of such a player is the recently-extended T.J. McConnell.
McConnell spent the first four seasons of his career with the Philadelphia 76ers. In that time, the guard averaged 6.4 points, 4.7 assists, and 2.9 rebounds per game. However, after joining the Pacers in 2019, McConnell elevated his game to the next level. Now, he is considered arguably the best backup point guard in the NBA and played a vital role in the team's conference finals run last season.
Additionally, another major player that fits the bill is Aaron Nesmith. Like McConnell, Nesmith began his career with another team--the Boston Celtics. However, unlike McConell, who was undrafted, Nesmith was a first-round pick in 2020. Regardless, he played a minimal role for the Celtics and did not play particularly well in his 98 total games for the team, averaging 4.2 points in 12.7 minutes.
However, Nesmith, fresh off a career year where he averaged 12.2 points while shooting 41.9% from beyond the arc, is considered an essential part of the Pacers' core. This is incredibly impressive considering he was intially a throw-in as part of the trade that sent guard Malcolm Brogdon to Boston.
Furthermore, the Pacers have had luck with other notable players. This includes current Pacers liek Andrew Nembhard (second-round pick) and Obi Toppin (traded by the New York Knicks for virtually nothing in return), as well as former players like Jalen Smith (looked like a bust with the Phoenix Suns).
For the Pacers to continue their quest at a championship, constantly re-tooling their roster, especially the bottom of it, and developing overlooked or unwanted players is crucial. And luckily for Pacers fans, this is something they should continue to excel in for years to come.