Grading The Indiana Pacers’ 2016 NBA Offseason Moves
Larry Bird and the Indiana Pacers entered the offseason looking to make some major changes. That was made clear when Bird decided to let head coach Frank Vogel walk and to bring in assistant Nate McMillan to be the new head coach. It wasn’t a terribly popular move at the time, but fans have been coming around to the idea.
There is no question that Paul George is one of the best players in the NBA, and the Pacers knew they needed to build a more talented roster around him. That became obvious last season in the Pacers’ seven-game playoff series against the No. 2 seeded Toronto Raptors.
George averaged 27.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game last season in the playoffs. He shot 45.5 percent from the field and knocked down 41.9 percent of his three-point shots. Unfortunately, there was no one who was able to step up and support George, which led the Pacers’ early playoff exit.
Looking ahead at the upcoming 2016-17 NBA season, the Pacers have put a lot of talent around George. Bird has been one of the most aggressive executives in the league, and many believe that the Pacers have been the winners of the offseason.
All of that being said, what grades do the Indiana Pacers deserve for all of their 2016 NBA offseason moves to this point in time?
Replacing Frank Vogel With Nate McMillan — B+
First of all, let’s be clear that Frank Vogel is an excellent head coach and will do an amazing job with the Orlando Magic. That being said, he had completely lost control of the locker room and was no longer able to motivate his players to give everything they had. His offense was broken as well and he didn’t see eye-to-eye with Bird and the Pacers’ front office.
As difficult as it was to let him go, Bird made the right decision to give McMillan the job. McMillan is an excellent offensive mind and will demand respect and gain control of the locker room once again.
Trading George Hill In A Three-Team Deal That Got Them Jeff Teague — A
One of the best moves of the entire offseason so far has been the Pacers’ acquisition of former All-Star point guard Jeff Teague. Indiana has needed a true franchise point guard for years, and that is exactly what they are getting with Teague. He will be able to take a lot of pressure off of George, push the tempo, and will make his teammates better around him.
Acquiring Thaddeus Young For The No. 20 Overall NBA Draft Pick — A
Perhaps the most underrated move this offseason was the Pacers’ acquisition of Thaddeus Young. Bird was able to acquire him for the No. 20 overall pick in the draft and that should be viewed as an absolute steal. Young will immediately become the Pacers’ starting power forward and will have a huge role in their success.
Drafting Georges Niang In The Second Round Of The NBA Draft — B
Kevin Pritchard raved about the selection of Georges Niang and the former Iowa State star showed why in the Orlando Summer League. He has an excellent all-around skill-set and will provide solid depth for the Pacers. Niang likely won’t become an NBA star, but there is a good chance that he will become a role player that helps in many different ways off the bench.
Signing Al Jefferson In Free Agency — B+
Al Jefferson may not be one of the best big men in the NBA anymore, but he will certainly add a lot to the Pacers’ bench after signing with the team in free agency. He has an excellent post game and will be a great mentor for second-year big man Myles Turner. Jefferson will likely be a focal point off the bench for the Pacers and will give McMillan the ability to play a different and slower style of offense when he feels the need.
Indiana Acquiring Jeremy Evans from the Dallas Mavericks — C+
Indiana made the move to acquire extremely athletic forward Jeremy Evans from the Mavericks for practically nothing. He gives the Pacers some depth in the front-court and will certainly be an entertaining player to watch when he is on the floor. Evans likely won’t play too terribly much, although there should be some highlight dunks from him this season.
Expect to see the Pacers take a big step forward this season back to the top of the Eastern Conference. Cleveland will likely still win the No. 1 seed in the postseason, but the Pacers have a very good shot at contending for the No. 2 seed if they stay healthy and play to their potential.
Do you think the Indiana Pacers are serious contenders in the Eastern Conference? What are your thoughts on the moves they have made this offseason? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below!
[Photo by AP Photo/Darron Cummings]
