Indiana Pacers: 2 Free Agents That Would Improve The Roster
By Shane Young
The month of July is finally upon us. The free agency period officially began Monday and teams are now meeting with the free-agent class of 2013. While most of the focus and attention is centered on the large-market franchises, this is also the time for small-market teams, such as the Indiana Pacers, to improve their talent.
In recent history, the Pacers have not earned the reputation of being a top target for superstars in the off-season. After their impressive effort in the Eastern Conference Finals, however, you begin to wonder if any free agents would look to join one of the leagues’ toughest and most physical teams. Throughout the pool of available players, there are two individual talents that general manager Kevin Pritchard and the Pacers should pursue the strongest.
J.R. Smith, shooting guard
Photo Credit: Mark Runyon, Basketball Schedule
The reigning Sixth Man of the Year for the New York Knicks in 2012-13 is among the top names on this summer’s wish list. For the Pacers, he should be on the “must-have” list. One of the biggest reasons they couldn’t overcome the Miami Heat in a seven-game series was the lack of depth and scoring in the backcourt. Missing starting shooting guard Danny Granger for the entire postseason, Indiana was forced to rely on Lance Stephenson and D.J. Augustin for shooting and scoring off the bench. The need for an experienced and determined personality became evident as they struggled to score with the defending champions on many occasions.
Adding J.R. Smith to the roster would relieve much of the offensive pressure off All-Star Paul George and Indiana’s frontcourt. His monumental production last season for the Knicks enabled them to be one of the deadliest teams from the perimeter. This aspect of basketball is exactly what the Pacers need to become the most complete team in the Eastern Conference.
What he would bring to the table: Deeper roster, better outside shooting, ways to spread the floor for Hibbert/West
Averaging 18.1 points and 5.3 assists per game this past season, Smith would thrive under the motivational coaching of Frank Vogel. Perhaps if he hadn’t entered one of his worst shooting slumps during the playoffs, Smith and the Knicks could have defeated the Pacers in the second round. Signing with a team that is much more well-rounded than New York will help prevent the massive slumps, due to Indiana’s ability to play inside-out basketball. With it being unknown whether Granger is going to return as the same player he was in 2011-12, taking a gamble on one of the streakiest shooters in the league does not seem like a bad decision. Considering they were only one win away from reaching the NBA Finals, the outcome may turn out different with an added offensive weapon.
Monta Ellis, combo guard
As a second option, the Pacers could also use this year’s free agency period to chase Monta Ellis. Capable of being one of the 10 best guards in today’s league, Ellis would provide the Pacers with a phenomenal level of energy on the offensive side of the floor. Listed as 6″3 and 185 pounds, he is a slasher and scorer that can torment defenses more ways than current starter George Hill.
Ellis has consistently been one of the best scoring guards in the league. Photo Credit: Pablo Gamez, IsoSports
This is where the Pacers would have a choice to make. Without a doubt, Ellis isn’t going to walk away from Milwaukee to receive backup minutes in Indiana. However, I do believe that obtaining Ellis this season and decreasing the minutes of George Hill would allow the Pacers the absolute best chance to get over the annoying hump that is the Miami Heat.
What he would bring to the table: Athleticism, scoring mentality, higher level of energy, defensive pest for opponents
His 19.2 points and 6.0 assists per game last season are only indicators of how well he would do in Indiana’s system, which actually incorporates heavy production from the big men. With or without an impressive Danny Granger next season, this team has been in search of a guard the caliber as Ellis. Combining a quick, active and defensive-minded guard with two upcoming stars (Paul George and Roy Hibbert), the Pacers would be one of the toughest teams to deal with in the entire NBA.