Welcome to IAI Sports! And welcome to the 2022-23 NBA Season!
To begin the season, we will be running through each NBA team and analysing what they’ve done throughout the off-season. Each article will start off with an introduction, telling a story of how this team is where they are at today. We quickly delve into the results of the 2021-2022 NBA season, before diving into the off-season in’s and out’s.
From there, we go into depth discussing some of the important rotation pieces for the upcoming season, before finishing with a quick analysis of a team’s win totals and a full conclusion of why this team has completed these moves, what their win total will be, and my own predictions of breakout players and what to expect from this team. It’s a season preview series with the purpose of getting you up-to-date with what has happened throughout the league.
A season preview of each of the 30 teams will be released, leading up to the beginning of the NBA season. All data and information included in these articles have been gathered from Basketball Reference, NBA.com and ESPN.
Today’s team is the Indiana Pacers – a team now undergoing a rebuild of their roster.
Introduction
The Indiana Pacers were one of the most successful franchises back in the 1970s, winning three ABA (American Basketball Association) championships before moving to the NBA, thanks to stalwarts like Mel Daniels and George McGinnis. Another successful period occurred over the turn of the millennium, where the team reached 16 playoffs in 17 seasons. Reggie Miller was the man who orchestrated this era of Pacer basketball, making five Eastern Conference finals and an NBA Finals in 2000. But he could not break through and win the Pacers their first NBA championship.
Once Miller retired, the franchise didn’t taste playoff success again until 2011, with a team led by Danny Granger, Darren Collison and Roy Hibbert. The Pacers took the next step when their 10th overall pick in the 2010 draft – Paul George – became a star. He, alongside Hibbert, George Hill, David West and Lance Stephenson would combine to form one of the stingiest defensive starting-5s in the competition, leading the Pacers to two consecutive Eastern Conference Finals. However, they lost in both Eastern Conference Finals appearances against the LeBron James-led Miami Heat.
In 2015, the Pacers missed the playoffs, due to George missing most of the season with a broken leg. By the time he returned for the 2016 season, West, Hibbert and Stephenson all moved on to other teams. As a result, the upside of the squad diminished and the team couldn’t get any further than the 1st round in five consecutive seasons. When George realised the Pacers couldn’t get him back into the top echelon of teams in the Eastern Conference, he asked to be traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
In that trade, the Pacers received Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis. Oladipo would become an All-Star in his first season with the franchise, while Sabonis would become a 2-time All-Star. The duo, alongside Myles Turner, Malcolm Brogdon and TJ Warren would keep the Pacers competitive, but losses to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2018, Boston Celtics in 2019 and Miami Heat in 2020 in that dreaded 1st round stopped the Pacers from being a serious contender in the Eastern Conference.
Despite the continuous achievement of reaching the playoffs, the Pacers felt that head coach Nate McMillan couldn’t get the team back to the top of the Eastern Conference, sacking him prior to the 2021 season. Injuries to Victor Oladipo and TJ Warren stopped the Pacers from reaching their full potential, causing the team to miss the playoffs for the 2nd time in 10 seasons.
Last Season
Again, the Pacers decided that another head coaching change was required, bringing in Rick Carlisle from the Dallas Mavericks. The team hoped to retool and try again, drafting experienced collegiate pro – Chris Duarte – with the 13th pick. They hoped that those two changes, alongside an injury-free roster consisting of Brogdon, Sabonis, Turner and Caris LeVert, would be enough to return to the playoffs.
It wasn’t to be for the Pacers; it was another season where Brogdon, Turner and Warren were battling constant injuries and couldn’t remain on the court. By the midway point of the season, the Pacers would sit 13th in the Eastern Conference with a 15-26 record. The team would go on to win 4 of their next 18 matches, firmly entrenching their 13th placed position in the conference.
At this point, the Pacers front office realised something had to change. They decided to sell off experienced pieces of the team and begin to go through a much-needed rebuild. So, the Pacers’ front office went to work at the trade deadline, moving Caris LeVert to the Cleveland Cavaliers. And in an unanticipated trade, moved Domantas Sabonis to the Sacramento Kings for a package built around Tyrese Haliburton and Buddy Hield. The Pacers also decided to take a flyer on former lottery selection, Jalen Smith.
The team would go on to win five more games for the rest of the season, finishing with a 25-57 record and sitting 13th place in the Eastern Conference. It was the end of their competitiveness, and the beginning of a fresh Pacers rebuild. The squad finished the year with the 18th ranked offence and 28th ranked defence.
Off-Season
Ins:
Bennedict Mathurin (6th pick, NBA draft)
Andrew Nembhard (31st pick, NBA draft)
Kendall Brown (48th pick, NBA draft)
Daniel Theis (trade with Boston Celtics)
Aaron Nesmith (trade with Boston Celtics)
Outs:
Malcolm Brogdon (trade to Boston Celtics)
TJ Warren (free agent, moved to Brooklyn Nets)
Ricky Rubio (free agent, moved to Cleveland Cavaliers)
Duane Washington Jr (waived)
The Pacers used their 6th overall selection on Canadian wing, Bennedict Mathurin, while Andrew Nembhard and Kendall Brown were selected in the 2nd round with the 31st and 48th picks respectively. The team were able to bring in Daniel Theis and Aaron Nesmith in a trade with the Boston Celtics, and re-signed Jalen Smith to a 3 yr/$15.1m contract. In an attempt to pry DeAndre Ayton out of the Phoenix Suns, the Pacers offered a 4 yr/$132.9m contract to the high-upside big man. But because Ayton was a restricted free agent, the offer sheet was instantly matched by the Suns.
In the Celtics trade, the Pacers decided to move on from Malcolm Brogdon, giving him a fresh start with a championship contender. They also let TJ Warren and Ricky Rubio walk to the Brooklyn Nets and Cleveland Cavaliers respectively during free agency. In their quest to sign Ayton, the team also waived Duane Washington Jr.
2022-23 Roster
Starting Five
PG – Tyrese Haliburton
| H: 6’5″ | W: 185lbs | Age: 22 |
| Contract: 2 yr/$10.0m (RC) | Years Pro: 2 |
Career Averages:
14.3 pts, 3.6 reb, 6.9 asts, 1.6 stls, 0.6 blks, 2.2 to, 47.3%/41.2%/84.6%, 32.9 mins
Averages Last Season:
15.3 pts, 4.0 reb, 8.2 asts, 1.7 stls, 0.6 blks, 2.6 to, 47.3%/41.4%/84.2%, 35.0 mins
2022-23 Projections:
15.2 pts, 4.0 reb, 7.5 asts, 1.7 stls, 0.7 blks, 2.3 to, 48.4%/42.2%/84.7%
Tyrese Haliburton has shown glimpses of being a future All-Star in this league. He was projected to be a solid running mate next to De’Aaron Fox at the Sacramento Kings, with the capacity to play off-ball with his elite 3-point shot and facilitate as the lead guard. Haliburton will now have to do this with the Indiana Pacers, where he becomes the face of the franchise and their rebuild.
SG – Buddy Hield
| H: 6’4″ | W: 220lbs | Age: 29 |
| Contract:2 yr/$39.1m | Years Pro: 6 |
Career Averages:
15.9 pts, 4.3 reb, 2.5 asts, 0.8 stls, 0.3 blks, 1.8 to, 43.0%/39.8%/86.5%, 29.2 mins
Averages Last Season:
15.6 pts, 4.4 reb, 2.8 asts, 0.9 stls, 0.3 blks, 1.9 to, 40.6%/36.6%/87.4%, 30.3 mins
2022-23 Projections:
15.0 pts, 4.2 reb, 2.9 asts, 0.8 stls, 0.3 blks, 1.8 to, 40.8%/37.4%/85.7%
Buddy Hield was highly ranked coming into the NBA thanks to being able to shoot from 3-point range at an elite clip. That was his role with the Sacramento Kings – space the floor and shoot as much as possible. Averaging 7.6 attempts per game for his career, Hield can also score, averaging 20.7 points in 2019. His shooting efficiency has dropped across the past two seasons, Hield is a great complementary piece for any offensive unit.
SF - Chris Duarte
| H: 6’6″ | W: 190lbs | Age: 25 |
| Contract: 3 yr/$13.9m (RC), | Years Pro: 2 |
Career Averages:
13.1 pts, 4.1 reb, 2.1 asts, 1.0 stls, 0.2 blks, 1.6 to, 43.2%/36.9%/80.4%, 28.0 mins
Averages Last Season:
13.1 pts, 4.1 reb, 2.1 asts, 1.0 stls, 0.2 blks, 1.6 to, 43.2%/36.9%/80.4%, 28.0 mins
2022-23 Projections:
13.2 pts, 4.3 reb, 2.2 asts, 1.0 stls, 0.2 blks, 1.6 to, 44.0%/37.3%/80.4%
Chris Duarte showed promise to be a rotation-calibre prospect by being NBA ready and a trusted scoring threat when injuries hit the team last season. Despite being 25 years old, Duarte still projects to be in the Pacers long-term plans, as either a 3rd option in a starting line-up, or a high-quality 6th man.
PF - Jalen Smith
| H: 6’10” | W: 215lbs | Age: 22 |
| Contract: 3 yr/$15.1m | Years Pro: 2 |
Career Averages:
6.7 pts, 4.4 reb, 0.4 asts, 0.2 stls, 0.6 blks, 0.6 to, 49.5%/31.7%/76.1%, 13.9 mins
Averages Last Season:
9.2 pts, 6.0 reb, 0.5 asts, 0.3 stls, 0.8 blks, 0.8 to, 50.3%/32.8%/76.5%, 18.1 mins
2022-23 Projections:
12.1 pts, 7.5 reb, 0.9 asts, 0.5 stls, 1.0 blks, 1.1 to, 50.6%/33.8%/77.3%
Jalen Smith arrived at the Phoenix Suns at the wrong time. Drafted 10th overall in 2020, Smith was always going to take some time to develop. Unfortunately, the Suns timeline did not match Smith’s, as they became championship contenders overnight. He was traded at last season’s trade deadline to the Pacers, where he saw his minutes doubled and the potential as a rebounding stretch PF beginning to take shape. Smith will have more opportunities to work on his game with a starting role and more minutes at the NBA level.
C - Myles Turner
| H: 6’11” | W: 250lbs | Age: 26 |
| Contract: 1 yr/$17.5m | Years Pro: 7 |
Career Averages:
12.7 pts, 6.7 reb, 1.2 asts, 0.7 stls, 2.3 blks, 1.3 to, 48.9%/34.9%/76.8%, 28.7 mins
Averages Last Season:
12.9 pts, 7.1 reb, 1.0 asts, 0.7 stls, 2.8 blks, 1.3 to, 50.9%/33.3%/75.2%, 29.4 mins
2022-23 Projections:
12.5 pts, 6.6 reb, 1.1 asts, 0.7 stls, 2.7 blks, 1.3 to, 49.4%/34.0%/76.7%
Myles Turner is one of the best shot blockers in the game today. He is a 2-time block leader, accomplishing this feat in 2019 and 2021. He’s unique in that he can also space the floor, shooting 34.9% for his career on 2.6 attempts per game. Turner’s fit alongside Domantas Sabonis really well, giving Sabonis the space to work on the low post. Now, Turner has the opportunity to play for his next contract, as he becomes a free agent at the end of the season.
Backups
G - TJ McConnell
| H: 6’1″ | W: 190lbs | Age: 30 |
| Contract: 3 yr/$26.1m | Years Pro: 7 |
TJ McConnell brings stability and a veteran presence from the PG position, through his safe playmaking and tenacious perimeter defence. His assist-to-turnover ratio is one of the best in the NBA, and is very efficient shooting from inside the paint and mid-range for someone standing 6’1”. He prides himself on his defence, even accomplishing a rare triple-double with steals in the 2021 season.
G - Bennedict Mathurin
| H: 6’6″ | W: 210lbs | Age: 20 |
| Contract: 4 yr/$29.9m (RC) | Years Pro: 0 |
Bennedict Mathurin was the Pacers highest draft selection since selecting Rik Smits 2nd overall back in 1989. Mathurin was a go-to scorer in college, putting up points (17.7 per game) on a decent efficiency (45.0% and 36.9% from the field and 3-point range). With a 6’9” wingspan, Mathurin will have the capacity to be a catch-and-shoot guy whilst developing his defensive skillset this season.
F - Aaron Nesmith
| H: 6’5″ | W: 215lbs | Age: 22 |
| Contract: 2 yr/$9.4m (RC) | Years Pro: 2 |
Aaron Nesmith couldn’t seem to break through a stacked Boston Celtics rotation. Formerly drafted with the 14th overall selection back in 2020, Nesmith came out of college as an elite 3-point marksmen. However, he struggled from range (particularly last season) and wasn’t able to get himself into the Celtics line-up. He was a part of the Malcolm Brogdon trade, where the Pacers hope to emulate some of his shooting efficiency seen at the collegiate level.
F - Oshae Brissett
| H: 6’7″ | W: 210lbs | Age: 24 |
| Contract: 1 yr/$1.8m | Years Pro: 3 |
Formerly undrafted, Oshae Brissett was a very important rotation piece for the Pacers last season. While he didn’t replicate his shooting efficiency from his 1st season with the team, Brissett played more games than ever in his career, as a forward that could stretch the floor and grab rebounds. If Brissett can shoot like he did in 2021, and continue to improve on the defensive end, he will be a key piece to a rotation on an NBA team.
C - Isaiah Jackson
| H: 6’10” | W: 206lbs | Age: 20 |
| Contract: 3 yr/$9.7m (RC) | Years Pro: 1 |
Isaiah Jackson was sparingly used throughout his rookie season. He started at the end of last season, showing really strong defensive potential (1.4 blocks in 15 minutes per game). His presence on the boards was also prominent, particularly as an offensive rebounder. Depending on pending trades, Jackson could see extended minutes as a backup or a starter.
The Rest
11. Goga Bitadze (C)
12. Andrew Nembhard (PG)
13. Terry Taylor (SG)
14. Daniel Theis (PF/C)
15.
T-W. Kendall Brown (SF)
T-W. Trevelin Queen (SG)
Season Projections
Sports betting agencies currently have the Indiana Pacers win totals sitting at 23.5, equal worst in the NBA alongside the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs. This is where they should be ranked compared to the rest of the league, just because they will be invested in giving as many minutes to their youngsters. Looking at the Pacers compared with their Eastern Conference rivals, it’s obvious that they’re the most likely to finish last this season.
Conclusion
For the first time in a long time, the Indiana Pacers will be embarking on a rebuild, after resetting the roster over the past six months. The days of continual playoff appearances are over for the foreseeable future, with the team fully focused on giving their younger players as much experience as possible.
It’s something the franchise should have done a long time ago. Who knows whether a core of Victor Oladipo, Domantas Sabonis, Malcolm Brogdon, Myles Turner and TJ Warren would have been good enough to win the Eastern Conference. If injuries didn’t ruin Oladipo, Warren and Brogdon’s careers, then maybe we could have seen the Pacers back in the Conference Finals.
But alas, here we are. The Pacers have the opportunity to build around Tyrese Haliburton, their prized asset acquired in the Domantas Sabonis trade at last season’s trade deadline. It’s great that the Pacers have someone they can build around already – especially someone as positionally versatile like Haliburton. This season will be great for him, having the free reign to go out each night and play, knowing that the franchise has his back and are willing for him to grow into a do-it-all scorer and playmaker.
The Pacers draft haul has rotational potential. While I’m not expecting a massive rookie season from Bennedict Mathurin, he has the opportunity to slowly gather his feet at the NBA level, and potentially start at the SG or SF position by the end of the season. It will be important for him to solidify his offensive skillset shown through college – prove to the league that you are an above-average 3-point shooter. If he can do that, he will be well on his way to being a solid rotational piece for the Pacers.
While other buy-low rotational guys will also have an opportunity to play extended minutes for the first time in their careers. Jalen Smith showed promise with the team in the 2nd half of last season, prompting the team to sign him back. Aaron Nesmith struggled for opportunity with the Celtics, but now has a solidified rotation spot. If both Smith and Nesmith can make the most of the new-found opportunity with the Pacers, they could resurrect their careers and be a part of the long-term focus of the squad.
The biggest question that surrounds this team is the impending trades of their remaining veterans. Myles Turner, Buddy Hield and TJ McConnell are all veterans that can contribute to playoff-destined franchises, but are still on this rebuilding Pacers squad. At the time of writing, the LA Lakers have had interest in acquiring Turner and Hield all off-season, but a deal is yet to be done. While I wouldn’t be surprised if McConnell gets bought out at this season’s trade deadline, especially if the Pacers will want to give minutes to young PG Andrew Nembhard.
It’s going to be one of those seasons for the Pacers, where they will track their progress through the development of their young players, rather than through the win column. Therefore, I’m predicting this team to get to 24 wins this season. While Turner, Hield and McConnell are still on the roster, they have the chance to win more than some of their other rebuilding counterparts. It will be a massive season for Haliburton, who will show great strides as a go-to scoring option. If Turner does get traded, I’m also expecting great things out of the future frontcourt of Smith and Isaiah Jackson. Both have the length to be great defensively, but would love to see Smith turn a corner offensively and be a consistent stretch-four.