This season, the Indiana Pacers surpassed almost all of the expectations placed on them. The Pacers, who are thought to be a youthful, potential squad but not much more right now, surprised everyone by making it to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in ten years and making the NBA Playoffs for the first time in years.
But what happens next? The Pacers made it to the conference finals as one of four teams, but they were defeated by the Boston Celtics, who went on to win the NBA Championship. Now that they have no trophy to show for their efforts, all eyes should be on the future and what Indiana can do to build on a fantastic season.
Because of this, the 2024 offseason will probably have a significant impact on how the Pacers perform in the upcoming years. In order to increase their chances of winning the Larry O’Brien Trophy in June of next year, what precisely should or should the Pacers do this summer?
Re-sign Pascal Siakam
During the 2023–24 season, the Indiana Pacers’ acquisition of Pascal Siakam was their most significant move. Siakam was a vital part of the Toronto Raptors’ 2019 NBA Championship squad. His value to a Toronto team that appeared to be rebuilding was decreasing, but for a team like Indiana that is attempting to compete and is on the rise, he is practically indispensable.
In January, the Pacers made the trade, sending out three first-round selections, Jordan Nwora, and offseason addition Bruce Brown. Through the deal, the Pacers once again demonstrated their dedication to fighting for a postseason berth and, eventually, a championship.
Now, Pascal Siakam is set to become an unrestricted free agent and will demand a significant contract, a reality Indiana was well aware of when they acquired him from Toronto. While it may seem like a foregone conclusion, it’s essential not to take it for granted: the Pacers must re-sign Siakam this offseason.
It appears that Siakam and the Pacers will finalize a max contract in July, reportedly worth nearly $190 million over four years. This is a substantial commitment, but it’s a necessary one to retain a two-way wing as skilled and seasoned as Siakam.
In 41 games with the Pacers, Siakam averaged 21.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists while shooting 54.9% from the field and 38.6% from three-point range. He maintained these numbers in the postseason, though his three-point shooting dipped below 30%.
If the Pacers let Siakam walk, possibly to the Philadelphia 76ers, they would be losing numerous first-round picks and Bruce Brown for nothing. Moreover, if Siakam joins Philadelphia, which has ample cap space and a fellow Cameroonian star in Joel Embiid, Indiana would be strengthening one of its Eastern Conference rivals with an All-Star-caliber player.
Prioritize Tyrese Haliburton’s health
Tyrese Haliburton, while a great player, was not the same after suffering a left hamstring strain in January. The numbers don’t lie either.
In the first 32 games of the season (before the injury), Haliburton averaged 24.2 points and 12.7 assists per game while shooting 40.4% from three-point range. After missing 10 games in January due to the injury, Haliburton played the final 35 games of the season seemingly managing the injury. As a result, his numbers declined significantly; he averaged 16.8 points and 9.3 assists, and his three-point shooting dropped to 32.4% following his return.
In his first playoffs, Haliburton performed admirably but not to the level he had shown early in the regular season. While shooting 37.9% from three, he averaged 18.7 points and 8.2 assists before missing the final two games of the Pacers’ season when he reaggravated the same hamstring in Game 2 against the Boston Celtics.
Simply put, the Pacers’ chances of winning the NBA Championship in 2025 hinge heavily on Tyrese Haliburton. While Pascal Siakam has proven himself as a reliable scorer capable of delivering 20 or 30 points per game, the team needs Haliburton as his dynamic partner to achieve success.
Despite Andrew Nembhard’s impressive playoff performance, having a fully healthy Haliburton can elevate the Pacers to the next level. If Siakam and Nembhard can maintain or exceed their postseason levels of play, the team’s prospects improve significantly.
In retrospect, Haliburton may have benefited from a longer rest period to heal his hamstring injury this season. However, prolonging his absence could have jeopardized his eligibility for an All-NBA team and subsequently a larger max contract extension.
Considering these factors from both Haliburton’s and the Pacers’ perspectives, it’s crucial for Indiana to prioritize Haliburton’s health heading into the 2025 season. Even if this means he misses out on participating in the Olympics, ensuring his optimal condition should be a top priority.
Don’t be the Atlanta Hawks
Three years ago, the Atlanta Hawks were riding high off an unexpected Eastern Conference Finals appearance, led by an All-Star point guard who regularly notched 20-point, 10-assist double-doubles. Sound familiar? It should.
However, despite their surprising playoff success in 2021, the Hawks find themselves in a precarious position now, seemingly on the brink of a rebuild. Therefore, the Pacers, despite their own successes this season, should carefully examine the missteps the Hawks have taken over the past three years.
Following their playoff surprise, the Hawks failed to make significant moves in the subsequent offseason. Their acquisitions included Delon Wright, a role player averaging around 20 minutes per game, and a handful of deep-bench additions. Nevertheless, the underlying issues from 2021, particularly defensive shortcomings, remained unaddressed.
Following that offseason, the Hawks made a consequential move by trading multiple first-round picks for Dejounte Murray, a player whose role overlapped with that of Trae Young. This decision turned out to be less than ideal, contributing to the Hawks’ current precarious position and potential rebuild.
On the other hand, the Pacers have already secured their major acquisition in Pascal Siakam. However, they must be astute in addressing their weaknesses, such as defensive support for Haliburton, rebounding (where they ranked 28th in the league), and reducing fouls.
Addressing these issues is undoubtedly challenging, especially considering the salary cap constraints imposed by the extensions of Siakam and Haliburton, which will total over $80 million combined next season. Nevertheless, it’s imperative for the Pacers not to settle with their surprising Eastern Conference Finals appearance in the 2024-25 season. They must aim to bolster their roster strategically without repeating the Hawks’ mistake of adding a mismatched piece like Murray.
Navigating this path requires a delicate balance, ensuring that any additions align with the team’s needs and dynamics to sustain and build upon their recent success.