Pacers stay in the Lottery and use the #13 pick
The Indiana Pacers are in the NBA Lottery for the first time since 2015. That year, with the #11 pick, the Indiana Pacers selected Myles Turner out of the University of Texas. The naysayers will say the Pacers missed on Devin Booker. My preference is the Pacers didn’t miss taking Jahlil Okafor, Mario Hezonja, Willie Cauley-Stein, Emmanuel Mudiay, Stanley Johnson, Frank Kaminsky, or Justise Winslow. All picked ahead of Myles Turner.
Bringing in Rick Carlisle signals the Pacers are not looking to completely rebuild the roster. They are going to try to re-tool the roster to compete in the Eastern Conference. Being at the bottom of the lottery and around the middle of the 1st round, if a guy falls in the Pacer’s lap, then go with that pick, but if not, then try to make a deal to improve the current roster.
Moses Moody would be the pick for the Indiana Pacers. 6’6 with a 7’0 wingspan. 1st team All-SEC and averaged 16.8 PPG and 5.8 boards.
Another choice would be Franz Wagner. 2nd Team All-Big Ten and averaged 12.5 PPG, 5.8 boards, and 3 dimes a game. His shot looks better than his 34.3 3-PT percentage.
Pacers use the #13 pick to make a trade
The Pacers have been in the news more than usual, trying to make some moves. It was reported that the Pacers offered Malcolm Brogdon and the #13 pick for Ben Simmons. Colin Sexton’s name has been tossed around and recently Spencer Dinwiddie (No thanks to him wanting $100 mil). Eric Gordon‘s name has recently come up and being a former Hoosier that could be helpful for both parties. Eric Gordon could be a scorer off the bench and step in and start if Malcolm Brogdon and Caris LeVert are not available. To make this happen Jeremy Lamb and the #13 pick to the Rockets for Eric Gordon and the #23 pick. Who says no?
Pacers Make the Move
The risk is obvious. You are taking on another oft-injured Guard who is scheduled to make $18.22 million and $19.57 million the next season. (2023 is non-guaranteed. Gordon would have to make the All-Star team, or HOU win the Championship). The Pacers should take the risk if Moody is off the board. A proven scorer who will embrace Indiana and is under contract to build with Coach Rick Carlisle.
Instead of having Jeremy Lamb and #13, the Pacers get Eric Gordon and draft at #23, Chris Duarte. 1st team All-Pac-12, 1st team All-Pac 12 Defensive team. Duarte averaged 17.1 PPG, 4.7 boards per game. You add a 3 and D wing who can contribute right away.
Rockets Make the Move
This is a no-brainer if you are the Rockets. Rockets are rebuilding and Jeremy Lamb is on an expiring contract. Rockets would also now have 2 lottery selections. #2 pick and #13 pick and still have the #24 pick.
Indiana Pacers Off-Season
The Pacers just need to take a risk after bringing in Coach Rick Carlisle. The Pacers would bring back a strong veteran starting lineup to work with.
PG-Malcolm Brogdon SG- Caris LeVert SF- T.J. Warren PF- Myles Turner C- Domantas Sabonis and then have a capable bench. Adding Eric Gordon and Chris Duarte. T.J. McConnell being brought back would be a welcomed addition, but these moves would probably be the end of Doug McDermitt as a Pacer. Hopefully, Goga Bitadze or Aaron Holiday would make a leap into solid rotational pieces and Justin Holiday would still be available.
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Who says no to Eric Gordon? Me and most Pacers fans I know. Last thing we need is another injury prone “what if” player. Especially on that contract. Gross.