Excellent Depth At Center
Trading away a player like Myles Turner would open up a hole in the rotation. He averaged 31 minutes per game last season, but the Pacers have the players to seamlessly absorb those minutes in the frontcourt.
Giga Bitadze has yet to really get to showcase his skills in the NBA, but he should be ready to handle an expanded role should Turner be traded. He has shown excellent shot-blocking instincts, averaging 1.3 per game despite averaging only 12.5 minutes of playing time.
His 3-point shooting needs work, but Turner struggled shooting the ball from distance at the start of his career as well. The shot-blocking prowess is what Indiana would love to have, as that is tougher to replace than 3-point shooting.
Indiana also acquired the draft rights to Kentucky big man Isaiah Jackson on draft night. He ended up with the Pacers in the monster, five-team trade that also included the Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Wizards, San Antonio Spurs and Brooklyn Nets.
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Jackson has a long way to go developing his offensive skills, but he is ready built to impact a game on the defensive end with his athleticism. He will provide rebounding and shot-blocking with his high-energy motor.
Rick Carlisle can also deploy Domantas Sabonis at the center spot, giving him plenty of options to replace what the team would be losing in Turner’s departure.
