In the NBA, one-way teams typically only get so far. You’ve got to play on both ends of the floor. With that said, if you need to lean in one direction, you should lean into offense.
Nobody needs to tell the Indiana Pacers that. After all, this team has the best offense in the NBA. Frankly, it isn’t even close. The Pacers have no trouble getting buckets.
Yet, they struggle to stop opponents from doing the same. This is interesting. Myles Turner is an outstanding defensive anchor – shouldn’t Indiana be a two-way team?
Well, the rest of this roster is subpar on that end of the floor. If the Pacers had a strong defensive wing, they’d be a more well-rounded team.
Could they acquire Dorian Finney-Smith from the Brooklyn Nets?
NBA Trade Proposal: Indiana Pacers Land Brooklyn Nets’ Dorian Finney-Smith
Brooklyn Nets Receive: G T.J. McConnell, G/F Jordan Nwora, 2024 Second-Round Pick (MIL via IND), 2025 Second-Round Pick (IND), 2028 Second-Round Pick (DAL via IND)
Indiana Pacers Receive: F Dorian Finney-Smith
On the other hand, teams can’t entirely predict how they’ll look in a given season. The Pacers likely didn’t expect to have the league’s best Offensive Rating. This team didn’t know exactly what they’d be.
Apparently, neither did the Brooklyn Nets. Heading into 2023-24, this team was supposed to be one of the best defensive teams in the league.
The Nets were also supposed to struggle to generate points. So far, the opposite has been true. The Nets’ offense is quite good, and their defense has been poor.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dorian Finney-Smith, Brooklyn Nets, Indiana Pacers Updates
What does it all mean? More than anything, it means that the NBA is unpredictable. We can speculate on how teams will look throughout the offseason, but in the end, the games need to be played.
Should the Nets play without Finney-Smith?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
We know. The Nets have had a disappointing defense in 2023-24. We’ve got them moving a quality defensive wing. Why?
Well, teams don’t exclusively plan with a one-year window in mind. The Nets have a lot of considerations to make. They should be looking to clear cap space to make room to extend Nicolas Claxton next summer.
The Nets could also use some assets to trade for an offensive star. This deal helps them accomplish both goals. Besides, the Nets have some of the best wing depth in the NBA. That’s why it’s been speculated that one of Finney-Smith or Royce O’Neale could be available.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dorian Finney-Smith, Brooklyn Nets, Indiana Pacers Updates
If that’s true, a younger, cheaper wing like Nwora, some cap relief, and a trio of second-rounders is fair value for Finney-Smith.
Should the Pacers surrender that value?
Why The Indiana Pacers Do The Deal
You may have reservations about this deal for Indiana as well. They’ve got a poor defense, and they’re moving their best defensive guard. Are we sure they can live without McConnell?
Absolutely. McConnell’s minutes have been limited this year anyway. His putrid three-point efficiency is likely the culprit. He’s only here to match salaries on both ends.
For the Pacers, this should be an impressive win-now upgrade. After all, he’s an outstanding defender who can guard across positions. Finney-Smith isn’t the most reliable floor spacer, but he can knock triples down.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dorian Finney-Smith, Brooklyn Nets, Indiana Pacers Updates
Moreover, with Turner at the 5, the Pacers can afford one limited shooter. After all, they’ve got the best offense in the NBA.
