5 things the Indiana Pacers can do to call this season a success

3. Convincing Thaddeus Young to stick around

Thaddeus Young had a bounce-back season this year, and he is showing why the Pacers were willing to absorb the second half of his four-year, $54 million contract from the Brooklyn Nets.

While his statistical output has improved from what felt like a “beginning of the end” kind of season last year, his intangibles have given the Pacers the experienced defensive acumen that they currently bring on a nightly basis. They have become a gritty team to play against, and that is largely due to a guy like Thaddeus Young.

There is a caveat to enjoying this success, however.

With the new Collective Bargaining Agreement allowing NBA players to earn more money than ever, Thad could be pried away next season with a more tempting long-term deal than his remaining $13.7 million player option for the 2018-19 season. If he is playing conservative with his career, he is turning 30 and injuries certainly aren’t going to become less of a concern.

If the Pacers can find a way to retain Thaddeus Young for next season, they will be in great shape moving forward.