The Indiana Pacers were hopeful that bringing back Rick Carlisle as head coach after one disastrous NBA season under Nate Bjokgren would help get the team back on track. That didn’t help, as it became apparent there was a lot more needed to get the Pacers going again.
Realizing that changes were needed, the front office and ownership were in agreement that the team needed to rebuild. They weren’t going to go into a full teardown such as the Trust the Process Philadelphia 76ers or what the Oklahoma City Thunder are currently doing, but changes needed to be made.
So, Indiana accepted being sellers ahead of the trade deadline. Caris LeVert, Domantas Sabonis, and Torrey Craig were all traded away. While the team may not be as competitive the remainder of the 2021-22 season, they are set up for a strong future.
Tyrese Haliburton is the new point guard of the future, which means Malcolm Brogdon could be on the move this offseason. They held onto Myles Turner at the deadline and are excited to pair him with Haliburton.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pacers Could Land Purdue’s Jaden Ivey In 2022 NBA Draft
2021 first-round picks Chris Duarte and Isaiah Jackson are two more building blocks, while 2020 first-round pick Jalen Smith, who was acquired at the deadline, is auditioning for a new contract as well.
With potentially two more first-round picks in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Indiana Pacers have a chance to build their next core as the foundation of the roster. Which players could they be targeting with those selections? Here are three prospects that Indiana should keep an eye on in the 2022 NBA Draft.
