Indiana Pacers: 5 potential free agency targets in 2017

Apr 30, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Raymond Felton (2) defends Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) as he drives to the basket in the second period of game seven of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan 22, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8) dribbles in the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Danilo Gallinari, SF

The Pacers are going to need a replacement for Paul George after shipping him out via trade, and one of the better small forward options on the free agent market currently resides in Denver.

Danilo Gallinari is coming off a strong statistical year for the Denver Nuggets, averaging 18.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game.

Gallinari was successful on 39 percent of his three-point attempts, while also shooting a stellar 90 percent from the free throw line. Gallinari has proven to be a consistent and effective offensive player at the NBA level.

Gallo has never been known as a standout defensive player, but he seems to be improving on that end of the floor.

ESPN ranked him 32nd defensively among 71 NBA small forwards last season (per their Defensive Real Plus-Minus statistic), so Danilo Gallinari has at least become an adequate defender.

Gallinari is a very good complementary player, but he may be too expensive for Indiana if he commands “star” money on the open market.

The Pacers have to be very prudent with their free agent dollars, so if they have to overpay to bring Gallo to Indiana, they’d be better off passing on his services.

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