How This Trade Impacts Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers always put solid, competitive teams together, but they are lacking that one true star player that can be a difference-maker. They have been hungry for a star since Paul George left.
Ben Simmons, in this hypothetical trade, becomes that star they have been desperate for. The Pacers become a more desirable destination for free agents to play with Simmons in the fold given his style of play. As long as he hasn’t burned too many bridges with his peers with how he has handled the situation with the Philadelphia 76ers, players should want to play with him.
Indiana’s defense will now be stifling with two elite players in Simmons and Myles Turner. Simmons is arguably the most versatile defender in the NBA with his ability to defend every position on the court. Turner is an elite rim protector that led the NBA with 3.4 blocks per game last season.
Offensively, Rick Carlisle will have to get a little creative, as Domantas Sabonis isn’t a great floor spacer, much like Simmons. They aren’t an ideal fit together offensively, but Carlisle should be able to figure something out as Sabonis is an All-Star player with legitimate offensive skills.
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Trading away their starting backcourt could leave the Pacers with some depth issues. T.J. Warren returning to health becomes that much more important as his shooting and scoring would desperately be needed in this lineup.
Jeremy Lamb and Justin Holiday are two good shooters that could be candidates for the starting five as well to give the team more floor spacing. Indiana would likely need an offseason to reshape this roster around Simmons, but their long-term outlook improves immensely with him in the fold.
