5 roster moves the Indiana Pacers need to make this offseason

The Indiana Pacers blew up their roster at the trade deadline, sending Domantas Sabonis, Jeremy Lamb, and Justin Holiday to the Sacramento Kings. In return for those players, the Pacers received Tyrese Haliburton, Buddy Hield, and Tristan Thompson, which is a good haul for the players they sent out.

They made two other trades, sending Caris LeVert and a 2022 second-round draft pick in exchange for an injured Ricky Rubio as well as a 2022 first-round draft pick and two future second-round picks. Their last move was to send Torrey Craig to the Phoenix Sun, receiving Jalen Smith and a 2022 second-round pick.

The Pacers played 26 games since making these trades, going 6-20, including a 10-game losing streak to finish the season. This means that they now have a young core and two more first-round picks that they can add to the fold. Let’s look at the roster moves they need to position themselves for their future.

Offseason roster moves the Indiana Pacers need to make: 1. Move on from Goga Bitadtze

In his three seasons with the Pacers, Goga Bitadze has averaged 5.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, 0.9 blocks, and 0.8 assists per game. He was not efficient, going 47.7 percent from the field, 25.4 percent from beyond the perimeter, and 70.7 percent from the line.

Unfortunately, Bitadze does not provide the defensive presence in the middle that a 6’11” player should. With the injury issues suffered by Myles Turner over the past few seasons, the Pacers have needed it. They have some tremendously talented guards who can create offense for their big men, meaning they should find a more defensively-minded backup.