Does this trade make sense for the Indiana Pacers?
The Indiana Pacers will need to make a decision in regards to their frontcourt at some point. Deploying lineups with two bigs is just not a viable strategy if the main objective is to compete at a high-level in the Eastern Conference. Teams have too much shooting and speed to keep up.
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There is enough talent on the Pacers’ perimeter to justify involving Myles Turner as a ball screener as the lone big man in their offense. His ability to convert on pick-and-pop attempts while also being an efficient finisher around the basket provides intriguing versatility while giving perimeter players like Malcolm Brogdon, T.J. Warren, Caris LeVert, and Lonnie Walker IV.
Maintaining the rim protection, pick-and-roll defense, and stretch five skill-set that Myles Turner brings to the table is important for the Pacers since they are a team that does not have a perimeter superstar. Each of those intangibles are a ‘ceiling raiser’ for the group to help take pressure off of the top perimeter talents.
Jakob Poeltl is an impactful defender but with Myles Turner already in the fold, it would be a better option for the Pacers to re-route him to a new team via trade. Doing so could net the Pacers additional assets that aren’t included in this NBA trade scenario.
