Does this trade make sense for the Indiana Pacers?
The Indiana Pacers face a difficult situation right now. There is a clear understanding that running with a two-big man lineup has its limitations and ultimately lowers the ceiling of the group as a whole. However, given the shortcomings of Domantas Sabonis’ defense, it’s been necessary to have the defensive impact of Myles Turner alongside him to cover that up.
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Jaden McDaniels showed real flashes of potential this season, particularly on defense. He’s an athletic, versatile forward that could fill a needed role throughout games alongside Domantas Sabonis in the frontcourt. He can effectively play off of Sabonis on the other end with off-ball movement, too.
Going with a smaller perimeter is always an option for the Pacers if they were to land Malik Beasley. Indiana has the option of sliding over Caris LeVert to the three-spot. With TJ Warren returning from injury to hold down the four spot, that’s an intriguing lineup with a lot of scoring punch.
At some point, the Pacers need to simply commit to one of their big men and just see what they’ve got when they do. If it turns out that Domantas Sabonis really isn’t that type of a talent manning the five spot as the lone big man on the floor, then it’s genuinely time that Indiana undergoes a rebuilding process.
