The Indiana Pacers were never expected to be “major” players during NBA free agency due to the low amount of cash they have available to spend. However, Kevin Pritchard and company knew they needed to accomplish a few different things. They were able to score two signings early on in free agency with TJ McConnell and Torrey Craig.
Back to the thing that the Pacers knew they needed to accomplish. With new head coach Rick Carlisle back in town, Indiana wants to get back to being a “blue collar” style of basketball team. That all starts on the defensive end of the floor.
In McConnell and Craig, the Pacers are getting two hard-nosed defenders. Indiana fans know McConnell well after he became a fan favorite with the franchise over the past two years. Keeping him in town as the primary backup point guard to Malcolm Brogdon was always one of their highest priorities.
During the 2020-21 NBA season with the Pacers, McConnell put together the best year of his career. He averaged 8.6 points, 6.6 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game. As has been the case throughout his entire NBA career to this point, he wreaked havoc on opposing offenses with his ability to get steals in bunches.
On the other hand, Craig spent the year split between the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns. He didn’t find a role with the Bucks, but averaged 7.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in the 32 games he played with the Suns following his midseason trade. Craig also shot 36.9 percent from the three-point line.
While these moves have fans scratching their heads about the team’s log-jam on the wing, both players are going to be major impact players for the Pacers. Craig will help replace the role that was filled by Doug McDermott last season. McDermott ended up signing a lucrative three-year contract with the San Antonio Spurs in free agency.
Both of these guys fit in with the vision that Pritchard and the Pacers see for themselves next season. They are both going to come in and play hard on the defensive end of the floor, with the ability to score when needed offensively.
Expect to see the Pacers remain active. They would like to make more moves, but their first two this offseason are winners. Fans are going to love having both TJ McConnell and Torrey Craig in the blue and gold.
