Posts tagged ‘Indiana Pacers’

Now the New Era of the Indiana Pacers OFFICIALLY starts.

After weeks of beating around the bush and avoiding questions because of possible league dealt fines, the Pacers can confirm and welcome in the 7 new faces that will now start to shape this franchise.  The Brawl and off-the-court incident riddled team that have been the Pacers over the last half a dozen or so seasons is now completely over with. Larry Bird and David Morway had goals this summer and so far have done well in trying to accomplish them.  They say they still have moves to make, which would be nice since this team is still far from a championship. I am truly excited for next season to see the makeup for this team.  The franchise has brought in high class guys as well as high class players that all fit different roles for the team and will work well with Jim O’Brien.

The Pacers are not going to have Jamaal Tinsley back next year either.  On local talk show Kravitz & Eddie, Coach O’Brien basically reiterated that he could not depend on Tinsley and that he would not be back with the team next season.  This means the Pacers are prepared to buy out the $21.4 million left on his contract if they cannot find a trading partner, which is unlikely.  The GM Morway said they’re multiple teams interested in Tinsley, but I doubt that.

Another rumor being shot around is that even Mike Dunleavy is being shopped around to see what the team could get.  I have no problem with this because Dunleavy had the best season of his career last year, meaning his trade value is high.  Also, the Pacers just picked up another 3 year contract with TJ Ford and Dunleavy has 3 years left with over $29 million to be paid.  If they can get EQUAL value for him this would be another good trade to open up cap space and take advantage of his rising stock.  The franchise must get equal value for him though becuase this team is not nearly as good without him on the  floor.  If a talented or young (or both) big is available I could see the Pacers biting on the deal since they are deep on the wings but struggle in the front court.

In the Next Episode:

-Around the NBA free agency period.

-Tribute to Jermaine O’Neal and where he ranks among Pacer greats.

-Why this Pacers team is closer to winning a championship than people think, but still has work to do.

Bird says that he is still not done with making changes this offseason.  Most likely this means that Jamaal Tinsley will be traded or bought out.  Reports have already said Tinsley’s contract will at least be bought out by the franchise.  A possible destination for him is the Clippers because of their desperate need of a point guard.  They would have plenty of cap space to sign him after the Pacers buyout his contract.  Or they could do a sign and trade (less likely) and send Tim Thomas to the Pacers.  He would actually be a really good fit.  He would give the Pacers some more length, height and athleticism as well as another player who can shoot the 3.  Plus his contract isn’t terrible (12.5 million over 2 years).  Though that deal is unlikely, it is a possibility.

I also highly doubt the Pacers will extend a qualifying offer to David Harrison after his off the court incidents over the past couple years. 

The Pacers already have 14 roster spots accounted for with Josh McRoberts and Kareem Rush fighting for the last spot.  This means the Pacers most likely will not be very active on the free agency market.  The problem with having Kareem or Josh fill the last spot is that neither one fills the biggest need for the Pacers: low-post scoring.  Yes, McRoberts is a PF with some upside but it doesn’t look like he’ll pan out into much of an NBA player. 

With that being said, here are the free agent possibilities for the Pacers:

Josh Childress-SF-Atlanta-Restricted Free Agent

Emeka Okafor-PF-Charlotte-Restricted Free Agent

Carl Landry-PF-Houston-Restricted Free Agent

Patrick O’Bryant-C-Golden State-Unrestricted Free Agent

Mickael Pietrus-SF-Golden State-Unrestricted Free Agent

David Padgett-C-Louisville-Rookie Free Agent

Hit me up at hosts@pacerscast.com with your thoughts on these or other Free Agent acquisitions as well as the departure of the last reminents of “The Brawl” years in Jamaal Tinsley and David Harrison.  I will be giving you my thoughts on these free agents as well as other possible moves the Pacers could make in the next episode coming up this week.

I have gone through and compiled the salaries and contract lengths for all the Pacers going into next season and their length over the next 3 seasons.  This will help you see how much money Larry Bird has freed up.  The expiring contracts can go as pieces in a trade for a marquee player or the lack of salary in the next couple of off-seasons will leave the Pacers able to sign a big free agent(s).

Obviously, the Rushes, McRoberts and Hibbert do not have guaranteed money as of yet. I also included the salaries without team options because it is highly unlikely the Pacers will pick up the option on one or both of Shawne Williams and Marquis Daniels.

1. Chicago-Derrick Rose (PG, Memphis)-I mise well anounce it already since the bulls have.  No surprise here.  From a PR and fan pleasing stand point this was a must, but I still like Beasley as a better pro prospect than Rose.  I think Pat Riley was just blowing a big smoke screen (he better be) because Beasley is too much to pass up.

Now let’s hope the Heat do the right thing…

2. Miami-Michael Beasley (F, Kansas St.)-This is in my books a steal even at #2.  He is the most proven player I ever remember coming out and only 19 years old.  The smoke screen worked.

3. Minnesota-OJ Mayo (G, USC)-The T-Wolves opted for the better player instead of the better fit (Brook Lopez).  A player that has been called overrated and underrated.  Another in the lines of Child Prodigies.  Will have to work with Randy Foye and Rashaad McCants in the backcourt.

4. Seattle-Russell Westbrook (G, UCLA)-This is the first surprise of the draft.  I thought this would either be Lopez or Bayless.  Westbrook skyrocketed his stock with team workouts and interviews.  We will see if he gets to play point instead of the fellow Bruin Earl Watson.

5. Memphis-Kevin Love (F, UCLA)- Bruin #2 in the lottery.  This is a pick that is a low risk-low reward selection that will help facilitate in Memphis with players like Mike Miller and Rudy Gay.  He can also play the pick and roll with one of their plethora of young point guards.  This selection moved the draft back toward par for the course.

6. New York-Danilo Gallinari (F, Italy)- D’Antoni stays true to his roots and friendships and drafts the international point-forward.  This might not be the popular pick among Knicks fans but this is a guy that could be a future all-star and cornerstone player for a New York turn around.  A point-forward is perfect on a team with a lot of players needing a lot of shots.

7. LA Clippers-Eric Gordon (G, Indiana)- My man went to the Clippers.  He’ll probably be lost in NBA-abyss in one of the most dysfunctional franchises in the game.  He’ll take over for Cuttino Mobley and step in right away.  A pure scorer and one that can contribute on the defensive end as well.

8. Milwaukee-Joe Alexander (F, West Virginia)- This is definitely a shock.  After the trade for Richard Jefferson, I didn’t think they would still take Alexander.  I honestly thought Bayless was going to go here.  They might have gotten a steal depending on how he pans out.  He will have a great teacher in Jefferson.

Pacers: I am praying that Bayless or Lopez fall to the Pacers!! Pretty pretty please!

9. Charlotte- DJ Augustine (G, Texas)- Another big surprise.  Of course Larry Brown brings in a good point guard.  A defensive liability (i.e. NCAA Tourney v. Memphis) but a guy who can defenitely orchestrate an offense and shoot the ball. 

Pacers: They will definitely get a steal in my mind no matter whether they get Brook Lopez or Jerryd Bayless. Both are better prospects in my mind than I thought would still be available.  Hopefully, Larry Bird just chooses one of those guys and doesn’t pull any big surprises.

10. New Jersey- Brook Lopez (C, Stanford)- Not Athletic but very skilled offensive big man.  Needs to work on rebounding, but he definitely fills a void for the Nets, who have no low post scoring at all last season.

Pacers: You better draft Jerryd Bayless.  I am surprised because he was the combo guard who was most ready to play the point in the pros.  He averaged over 5 assists a game at Arizona and has the athleticism and shooting to fit in with Jim O’Brien.

11. Indiana- Jerryd Bayless (G, Arizona)- What a steal!!! I absolutely love this pick.  He will fit very well into the up tempo style of offense.  A great scoring point guard prospect with a ton of upside.  He is very athletic, a slasher and a scorer.  I love how he can get to the bucket.

Stay tuned to my post-draft analysis right after it’s over.

12. Sacramento-Jason Thompson (F, Rider)- Talk about a reach! A proven productive player that can step in right now and play for the Kings.  Not as much of a project as other big men in this draft.  He can score and rebound and is very physical.

13. Portland- Brandon Rush (G, Kansas)- I think this is a perfect fit.  I thought the Trailblazers might have gone with Darrell Arthur instead, but they needed help at the SF spot and Rush can step in and play ther right now.  What’s better than being surrounded by a ton of other young talented players.

14. Golden State- Anthony Randoplh (F, LSU)- A pure potential pick here.  He will fit well in Golden State because of their love to get up and down the court.  This is another project big man to go along with Brandan Wright.  If both of those guys pan out, the Warriors will have a stellar athletic front line.  He must bulk up in order to take an NBA beating.

15. Pheonix- Robin Lopez (C, Stanford)- The Suns take a back up to Shaq.  This is something they needed because of Shaq’s durability issues.  He will give the team some immediate hustle and defensive minutes, but must improve offensive skills in order to become dominate.

16. Philly- Mareese Speights (C, Florida)- A little bit of a project but will definitely improve over the next couple seasons with some better conditioning and hustle.  He can score and rebound for sure.

Pacers: They better tell the Raptors to take Darrell Arthur.  I realize you need a center but with Nesterovic and Foster it isn’t neccessarily needed next season.  They should go with the better talent and skill in Darrell Arthur.  If Arthur learns to take over a game, he has all the skills to be dominate in the league.

17. Toronto (Indiana)- Roy Hibbert (C, Georgetown)- I hate this pick!!! I have not liked Hibbert as an NBA prospect.  He is not a defensive threat, he can’t move the floor, and he can’t jump.  When have you seen a non-athletic big man succeed in the NBA.  He only blocks shots if people are shorter than him and drive right into him.  He is a terrible fit in Jim O’Brien’s offense.  He cannot run up and down the court with anyone.  I could beat this guy by half a court length in a sprint.  Granted I am in decent shape, but still.  I do not know how the Pacers ever thought this guy would help them.  The only thing he has going for him is that he is 7′ 2″.  The Pacers needed a big man who could score, rebound and most importantly play defense.  Hibbert can score some but in this offense he’ll probably still be on the other side of the floor when the Pacers put up a shot.  He cannot move his feet quick enough or jump high/quick enough to be a good defender.  He cannot move into positions for rebounds quick enough.  This will be nothing but a mediocre big man in the NBA.  After an impressive pick at #11, this totally squashed my good feelings from earlier on in the night.  This pick is TERRIBLE!!!!

18. Washington- Javale McGee (C, Nevada)- I’m surprised they didn’t take Arthur to fill in if Jamison leaves.  This is another project at the Center position, but one that is athletic and can run the floor and block shots.

TRADE: Ike Diogu and Jerryd Bayless for Jarrett Jack and Brandon Rush.  I hate this trade.  The night began on such a high for me drafting Bayless, a pick that I absolutely loved and that would fit perfectly with O’Brien.  Instead they deflate the potential at the point and sacrifice it for yet another wing player.  I did think the 2-guard spot was the third biggest problem for this team coming into next year, but Bayless has so much promise and could have been the point guard of the future.  Jarrett Jack is nothing that special.  There is a reason why Portland did not want him running the Trailblazer’s offense.  Also, I liked Ike Diogu as a possible interior scorer in the future.  He never got the minutes he deserved was possibly the hidden talent on the bench.  Summary: This night started out perfectly with Bayless falling into the Pacers’ laps, but now after the Hibbert selection (which I was afraid of) and the giving up of Jerryd Bayless, my confidence in Larry Bird is non-existant.

19. Cleveland-JJ Hickson (F, NC State)- This is a very strong and exsplosive forward.  He is still a little raw, but is a big physical speecimen.  He must work on his offensive moves to be better, but could be a Carlos Boozer type of forward down the line.

20. Charlotte-Alexis Ajinca (C, France)- A 7-footer with a 7′8″ wingspan.  I do not really know much about this guy besides he is really raw and will probably stay overseas for a couple seasons.

Pacers: So they get Josh McRoberts in the trade as well, but I have never liked him ever since he played at Carmel.  McRoberts has never shown me the ability to take over and live up to his “ability” and be a star.  I do like the acquisition of a long mobile wing player.  I thought Darrell Arthur might have been a good fit.  McRoberts fits a similar mold as Arthur but does not have nearly as much upside as Arthur has.  I am still disappointed with the deal, but the Pacers are definitely getting younger and more athletic for sure.  Summary: Disappointed, but well on the way to rebuilding.

21. New Jersey-Ryan Anderson (C, California)-This is yet another guy that will have to get used to the pro game.  A skilled big man but plays a little bit below the rim for his size.  Gives the Nets 2 new options up front in Lopez and Anderson. 

My biggest story: When will someone pull the trigger on Darrell Arthur?  He was one of my favorite players coming into this draft.  Bird said he was the most talented big man outside of Beasley.  This is getting Brady Quinn like.

22. Orlando- Courtney Lee (G, Western Kentucky)- Another Naptown kid in the first round.  2nd year in a row with 2 Indianpolis kids in the first round.  This guy is ready to step in and play right now, which is what Orlando needs.  He can come in and score my getting to the bucket and he loves to pull up mid-range.  He is one ov the most NBA ready players in this draft.

23. Utah-Kosta Koufos (C, Ohio St.)- Another foreign center for Utah.  He has a lot of finesse for a big man and will probably be able to fill Okur’s place better than Okur in a couple of seasons.  He can score inside much better than Okur and should be helped by playing with Williams.

24. Seattle- Serbe Ibaka (F, Congo)- Another foreign player that will probably have to stay overseas for a couple of seasons but has a super upside and a ton of athleticism.  The best part is that with all of Seattle’s picks, this one will not be under contract at least for a couple of seasons.  Another upside potential pick.

Pacers: Advice-trade up and get Darrell Arthur!!! I absolutely love this guy and his game.  He is so athletic and skilled that I think he will a the least be a good rotational player.

25. Houston- Nicolas Batum (G/F, France)- I’m surprised that the Rockets didn’t go for someone who could step in and help them win right now.  This killed is super athletic and talented.  I’ve seen many youtube videos of him and he’s raw but full of potential.  Still a surprising pick.

Darrell Arthur update: Possible kidney problem made him decline screening tests from teams at individual workouts, according to ESPN’s Rick Bucher.  This is a red flag to many teams.

26. San Antonio-George Hill (G, IUPUI)- 3 Naptown Natives in the 1st round!!!! Way to represent Indianapolis high school basketball.  This is a guy who can step in and help the Spurs this next season.  This is a really good fit for both teams.  Hill will be able to learn from many veterans including Tony Parker.  Hill actually fits the mold of Tony Parker being a score first type of point guard.  I’m glad to see him go so high.

27. Portland-Darrell Arthur (F, Kansas)- This is the steal of the draft.  A very athletic and skilled player that was one of my favorite sleepers in this draft.  I just don’t know how he’s going to fit in Portland.  He might play a little bit of small forward (Portland’s biggest need) because Aldridge and Oden will be on the inside.  A very good pick, but he will have to find his role with the Trailblazers.

28. Memphis-Donte Greene (F, Syracuse)- I know a lot about this guy from all my time up at Syracuse.  On potential, this guy is off the charts.  He has a lot of athleticism, range out to the NBA 3, and the ability to take guys off the dribble. He must improve his shot selection and not settle for as many threes as well as give a more consistent effort on the defensive end of the floor.  This is a must to be an elite player. This could be a steal or bust.

29. Detroit-DJ White (F, Indiana)- This is a perfect match for each.  DJ White provides the Pistons with inside scoring, which they need if they don’t make any moves this off season.  They didn’t have anyone who could post up and score besides Rasheed, who has been publicly on the trading block.  Dj also has that hard worker and intense mentality, which will fit prefectly in Detroit.

30. Boston-JR Giddens (G/F, New Mexico)- Former Kansas star jumped up the draft board like none other.  This guy is super athletic, can score and rebound for a guy his size.  He’s a player that will help fill a need in the 2-guard/small forward role as a backup behind Pierce and Allen.  I personally think CDR would have been a better fit for the Celtics, but with the 30th pick a reach is ok with me.

Coming up in a new Episode of the Pacerscast after the draft:

-Responding to all e-mails sent to hosts@pacerscast.com

-The good, the bad, and the ugly of the night for the Pacers

-My projections for the Pacers next year and in the future

Well the Pacers might just go against my suspicion of no big deals in the off-season and pull one off.  One that would help their future quite a bit.

J.O. to Toronto for TJ Ford and Rasho Nesterovic (and likely Maceo Baston) and the #17 pick the upcoming NBA draft.

This would hurt the Pacers in the near future but greatly help them in the long run.  If they bring JO back next year, this team will be a decent playoff team in the Eastern Conference, but in a couple seasons they will be worse off than theyare now.  They must go into rebuilding mode right now and getting rid of JO’s huge contract is a big part of that.

This trade would allow the team to see Jamaal Tinsley’s role dwindle a bit because O’Brien says he cannot depend on him.  TJ Ford is a solid starting point guard when he is healthy.  Sadly this team will have to take a chance on him staying healthy. At the end of last year he played with a little more caution than the wreckless abandon he played with his first couple years and was just as effective.  This will have to be his mindset if he is to stay healthy throughout his career.  He is a player that is very skilled at running an offense especially an up tempo one like the Pacers have. What better way for an undersized Texas point guard to learn than from someone with similar hurdles?  (Meaning I think the Pacers will take DJ Augustine no matter if this trade is made or not)

Rasho Nesterovic maybe the best part of this deal.  Playing wise, he will give the Pacers another big body to contend down low since David Harrison is so unpredictable.  He will help this team defensively on the blocks, but he is nothing special on offense to say the least.  Nesterovic is due to get $8.5 million next season, but his contract expires after next season.  That is the part I love best about this deal.  The Pacers need cap room in order to bring in some big free agents or a host of young players.  They already have two other huge contracts in Troy Murphy and Mike Dunleavy who are both signed through the 2010-2011 season along with Jamaal Tinsley right there only a few million behind them.  Murphy and Dunleavy will be near impossible to move in a trade. (Combined they are owed over $22 million in 2010-2011)  I don’t think Tom Cruise could even pull that mission off.

If the Pacers make this trade, They will only have $47.9 million in contracts past next season (Both Baston and Nesterovic’s contracts expire after next year).  They will have a team option on Marquis Daniels, but I doubt they’ll pick that up.  This will leave them in prime shape to sign a big free agent in ‘09 or ‘10, both off-seasons that will have a lot of stars available.

Here are possibilities to sign after next season: Andre Igoudala, Andre Miller, Stephon Marbury, Steve Francis, Shawn Marion, Mike Bibby, Kevin Martin, Carlos Boozer, Gilbert Arenas, Josh Smith, Al Jefferson, Emeka Okafor, Ben Gordon, Drew Gooden, Allen Iverson, JR Smith, Rasheed Wallace, Baron Davis, Andris Biedrins, Elton Brand, Shaun Livingston, Lamar Odom, Kevin Garnett, Jason Kidd, Dwight Howard and Jameer Nelson.

A lot of those players are coming off of their rookie contracts and are unlikely to sign with other teams, but if the price is right, you never know. Others are likely to never leave because their team will outbid any other teamt oget them, but there are still very good options.

If the Pacers choose to pass on a big free agent after next year, even more stars are available after th 09-10 season: Lebron James, Joe Johnson, Josh Howard, Dirk Nowitzki, Rip Hamilton, Al Harrington, Tracy McGrady, Cuttino Mobley, Kobe Bryant, Mike Miller, Dwyane Wade, Andrew Bogut, Chris Paul, Hedo Turkoglu, Amare Stoudamire, Steve Nash, Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, Ray Allen, Chris Bosh, Deron Williams and Andrew Bynum.

That class obviously has more stars available and might be the best path for the Pacers, especially since they would only have 4 players under contract beyond 09-10.

To round out this trade is the #17 pick which will probably be used for a big man.  If Darrell Arthur slips down to there, which I doubt, I think the Pacers would take him.  Bird says he is the most talented big man outside of Beasley.  Other option are Roy Hibbert (I hope not!), Kosta Koufos (good fitin offense), DeAndre Jordan (Huge upside but little motivation), Javale McGee (Huge Upside but raw), and Mareese Speights (same as McGee).  At least one if not more of those big man should be available at #17 if this deal gows down.

Summary: This trade may cost the Pacers a playoff spot next season and maybe even the year after that, but a couple years down the road, they will have room to make some huge moves and revamp this franchise with the use of cap space and draft picks.  This trade could be the cornerstone of future franchise success.  Hopefully, this will go down, but there is still the possibility that Larry Legend will come up short of expectations yet again with off-season moves.  Will he be remembered as a Isaiah Thoms or a Danny Ainge type of Player-GM?