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The Pacers should look at signing this veteran forward for help off the bench

The Pacers need guys with length who can shoot. This player would be perfect for them off the bench.

By Ryan Stano

Apr 28, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Royce O'Neale (00) shoots over Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) during the first half of game four of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Royce O'Neale (00) shoots over Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) during the first half of game four of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports / Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
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It's clear that the Indiana Pacers are close to being able to be perennial NBA title contenders. After making the Eastern Conference Finals, they just need to add a couple of pieces to get over the hump. Their team is extremely talented already, they just need a few more guys to help fill some holes.

From their run in the playoffs, it's clear Indiana needs players who can help them defensively. That's the number one issue that they need to address in the offseason. Even if they can't get an elite wing to put into the starting lineup, there are wings they can target to help the bench.

Pacers fans expect Jarace Walker to move into that backup wing spot and actually start to get playing time. I do too, but there's a chance he still doesn't. Even if he does, there's still a player that they can add in free agency who won't be too expensive that can help with defense and shooting.

The Indiana Pacers should look at signing Royce O'Neale

O'Neale is a wing with length who can help on the defensive end. He's not an elite defender, but his length causes some problems. He's the perfect guy you want coming off the bench because he can shoot and switch across multiple positions on defense.

This past season for the Suns and the Nets, O'Neale averaged 7.7 points per game while shooting 37% from three. Even though he's only listed at 6'4, he has a 6'9 wingspan. That helps him defend wings on the perimeter and shoot over smaller defenders on offense.

Another valuable thing that O'Neale brings is experience. He's been in the league since the 2017-18 season. He could bring a veteran presence to a young Pacers team that clearly needs some older guys to help them close things out in close games.

O'Neale would likely be relatively cheap as well. The Pacers could offer him in the neighborhood three years for $25 million. That wouldn't break the bank but would also give them a versatile player who can play as many minutes as Indiana needs him to.

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The Pacers should look at bringing him in if they can.

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