How This Trade Impacts Indiana Pacers
The first thing that sticks out in this deal from the Indiana Pacers’ perspective is that they are trading away a first-round pick. That is the opposite of how rebuilding teams normally operate, but this could be a great opportunity for the Pacers to buy low.
Having as many first-round picks as possible provides a team with flexibility and maneuverability. But, there are only so many first-round picks that a team can have on a roster.
Indiana already has six players on the roster with rookie contracts that run beyond this season. Jalen Smith can essentially be counted as a seventh and they have two other selections in 2023.
When looking at it from that perspective, trading one pick for a player that has a ceiling as high as OG Anunoby is good business.
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Anunoby has star potential with his two-way ability. Some people have compared him to Kawhi Leonard as they have similar builds and career arcs. This is when Leonard began to break out as a true superstar and if Anunoby even comes close to approaching that level, he will be a difference maker.
Only 25 years old, Anunoby fits the Pacers’ timeline as well. If they are ready to compete by the time Anunoby’s contract is set to expire, he will be entering his prime years. That sets up well for Indiana if he can remain healthy and on his career path.
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Khem Birch is used mostly to match salaries, but he does provide solid insurance at the center spot. Indiana would be relying on a lot of young, inexperienced players outside of Daniel Thies, so Birch provides another veteran on the depth chart to help the young guys develop and play spot minutes when called upon.
