Despite being six games under .500, the Indiana Pacers have a plus-1.5 point differential.
They are 14th in scoring at 108.1 points per game as a team.
However, they allow opponents to claim 106.6 points per game.
Those numbers indicate that they are always in a close battle, wherein they don’t have much success.
I went full NBA sicko mode with 4 trades (on the trade machine) involving the Pacers, which you guys don't talk enough about@jeskeets @LeighEllis @treykerby @TasMelas #IndianaPacers #BenSimmons pic.twitter.com/R3NuUBdVTo
— Agustin Lechuga (@NBA_ALLSTAR_967) December 8, 2021
They are 3-12 in games decided by five points or less.
Winning all those close games makes them of the best teams in the Eastern Conference.
But dropping those tight battles has their front office deciding that the team had already reached its peak.
After unfavorable results, Pacers President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard decided that it’s time for a rebuild.
Well, if anything has been telling the pst 24 hours, it’s in recognizing who does actually watch the Indiana Pacers play basketball
— Mark Schindler (@MSchindlerNBA) December 8, 2021
Therefore, they made Caris LeVert, Domantas Sabonis, and Myles Turner available for trade talks.
While some people may argue that it’s too early for a reset, here’s why a revamp will work best for Indiana.
3. They’re Not An Attractive Free-Agent Destination
While keeping LeVert, Sabonis, and Turner together is an exciting core to work with, glitzy free agents won’t pick the Pacers as their primary destination.
The roster isn’t attractive enough to attract superstars chasing team glory.
If their team stays that way, they will continue to be a fringe contender in the middle of the pack.
As a result, they will get either the lowest odds in the lottery or a middle pick after an early playoff exit.
The Pacers are open to trade talks around Caris LeVert and either Domantas Sabonis or Myles Turner, per @ShamsCharania and @bkravitz pic.twitter.com/NX5DQtrF86
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 7, 2021
That situation won’t allow them to land a top prospect.
Therefore, it would be better to shop their assets before their value drops.
Sabonis is a versatile big man that can cover several bases, especially scoring and rebounding.
Turner is the apple of the eye of teams looking for a rim protector with decent outside shooting.
LeVert can also light up the scoreboard and help teams struggling on offense.
Malcolm Brogdon might be gone, too, if not for his new contract extension.
It’s best to blow up what they have and start anew.
2. Tanking Might Help The Pacers In The Long Run
The Pacers made the playoffs in five of the previous six seasons.
However, they suffered first-round exits in all those stints.
Two of their postseason runs went seven games while the other three were sweeps.
They’ve had a winning record in all those years, but they can’t do much to improve their roster.
A deep dive into their annual records indicate that the Pacers never went below 30 wins since the 1989-90 season.
Here’s the video of my exchange with Myles Turner. Set myself up for that one. 😂
“I know you’re pretty new here, bro, but my name’s in a trade rumor *every day.*
Added that: “Everybody outside of this locker room, this facility, can do all of the talking they want to.” #Pacers https://t.co/8yW2br05fR pic.twitter.com/9tpfWB1w5M
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) December 9, 2021
While that consistency is worth the praise, it robbed them of opportunities to get better pro aspirants via the draft.
In 1989, they drafted George McCloud with the seventh overall selection.
Since then, they’ve never selected lower than 10th.
The Pacers hit on some choices like LeVert, Turner, Paul George, Danny Granger, and Kawhi Leonard.
But they were either dealt with another team on draft night or played for the Pacers without much help.
Stepping back and getting an early pick in the 2022 draft might help them get a franchise player.
1. The Rest Of The Conference Improved
The usual contenders like the Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks, Atlanta Hawks, and Boston Celtics compete for playoff spots.
However, other teams like the Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Washington Wizards are gaining ground.
Meanwhile, Indiana is still at the bottom third of the standings even if they’ve won two straight games.
Final: #Pacers 122, Knicks 102.
Indiana responds to talks of possible trades with a dominant win over New York. Lol what a last 48 hours, man.
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) December 9, 2021
The other teams are already progressing, but they continue to slide down.
Instead of being the conference’s laughingstock, it’s best to rebuild and get the players to lead their resurgence.
NEXT: Pacers Reportedly Set To Face Reality And Start Over