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*photo via Getty Images
Indiana Pacers, (38-44).
Season Summary:After reaching the playoffs for four straight years, including back to back Eastern Conference Finals appearances, the Indiana Pacers missed the playoffs this season. This wasn’t a huge shock with Paul George missing all but six games, after fracturing his leg prior to the season. Still, the Pacers were in playoff contention up to the last game of the season and overachieved in many ways with the injuries they had pile up. Despite missing numerous games due to injury, George Hill had one of his best seasons thus far. While on the other side, Roy Hibbert again had a down season which has led the Pacers to giving him a reduced role this upcoming season.
Cap Space: ($16,515,982)
(Team’s) Free Agents : Rodney Stuckey, SG. Unrestricted.
Lavoy Allen, PF/C. Unrestricted.
Luis Scola, PF. Unrestricted.
C.J Watson, PG. Unrestricted.
David West, PF. Unrestricted. Declined Player option to return.
Donald Sloan, PG. Unrestricted.
Chris Copeland, SF. Restricted.
Shayne Whittington, F. Restricted.
Will They Stay or Go: I expect the role players on the Pacers next season to be a whole new cast from this prior season. I also expect the Pacers to go after Stuckey and Allen. Most likely the rest of the team's free agents they will let walk. The Pacers are looking for new players who better fit the new style they want to run this season.
Team Needs:
Creator - The Pacers have lacked a true point guard in the last five seasons. George Hill is more of a combo guard who doesn’t create overly well for others.
Offensive Big - When David West first signed with the Pacers he was an above average scoring big and Hibbert was on the rise. However, West is now older and a free agent and Hibbert has worn out his welcome in Indy. A big who can demand the ball down low and score the easy buckets is needed.
Possible Targets:
Rajon Rondo - Rondo is coming off a rough season that ended with a nasty finish down in Dallas. Larry Bird has wanted Rondo on several different occasions, with Rondo's stock low and no clear destination for him, the Pacers may take the risk on him.
Monta Ellis - Ellis is coming off a solid year with Dallas, where he averaged 19 points a game. The Pacers outside of Paul George don’t have a steady scoring threat every night, Ellis could be that second scorer the Pacers lack.
Greg Monroe - Monroe is on the way out of Detroit and what he lacks on defense he makes up for with his production in the paint and work on the glass. Although it’s rather unlikely and would only happen if Hibbert is traded it would be an upgrade