The Indiana Pacers missed the playoffs in 2021 for the first time since 2015. Nate Bjorkgren is out as head coach after one NBA season, as Rick Carlisle will be returning to the sidelines after coaching the team for three seasons from 2003-06.
With Carlisle back on the sideline, the team is hoping that the playoff drought doesn’t reach two years. This is a good roster and they will have the No. 13 overall selection in the NBA Draft to add to it.
With the 13th pick, the Pacers could add a cost-efficient player to the roster whose contract is locked in for up to four seasons. For a franchise that is hovering near the luxury tax and is top-heavy when it comes to contracts, having rookie deals makes some sense.
However, the Pacers could also look to flip that pick for a veteran that can help get them back to the postseason.
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The Indianapolis Star is reporting that may be the route that they take if they are unable to pinpoint a prospect that can come in and play rotation minutes right away.
If the veteran route is the one the organization ultimately takes, here are three players they could target using the No. 13 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft in a trade.