Indiana Pacers: Who should be part of the long-term core?

2. Domantas Sabonis

In his second full season with the Pacers after joining the team via the Paul George trade, Domantas Sabonis is averaging career numbers across the board. He’s been an extremely reliable option out of the pick-and-roll and is shooting a stellar 58.7 percent from the field this season.

The 6’11” forward has also been comfortable rotating in at center when Myles Turner needs a break, taking after his Hall of Fame father, Arvydas Sabonis. Given his father’s resume, it seems that Sabonis might have a solid NBA future ahead of him. It also helps that as a rookie, he started 66 of 81 games with the Oklahoma City Thunder, so he’s no stranger to playing big minutes.

Sabonis and Oladipo could be the one-two punch next season, and for seasons to come, that will make the Pacers’ offense formidable. Just ask Joel Embiid:

The 22-year-old still has a year left on his rookie contract, according to Spotrac, but the Pacers should look to invest in him for the long haul in 2020 when he’s eligible for an extension.