In the eyes of many fans, the Indiana Pacers had a simple blueprint for this season: Trade veterans, develop the young players, and lose a lot of games to get back into the lottery next summer. The players, however, may have a different blueprint in mind.
Yes, it’s still very early in the season, and a lot can change. But so far, this looks like a team that is simply too good for your tank-a-thon wishes to come true. Tyrese Haliburton looks like an All-Star. Benn Mathurin looks like a Rookie of the Year candidate who probably should’ve been a top-3 pick. Andrew Nembhard looks like a steal at pick No. 31. And Buddy Hield looks like a guy who the Pacers may actually want to keep around. Combine all of that with an improved Myles Turner, and other good young players in the mix, and you have an interesting team that is a lot of fun to watch.
I know another high draft pick would benefit this franchise greatly, but it’s never a bad thing when you’re winning games. It means the development and timeline is accelerating. It can also mean a buzz surrounding the team that becomes noticeable for free agents. And let’s not forget: The Pacers could have three 1st-round picks next season. If they don’t have a top-10 pick, they have the draft capital to move up if they would like.
That leads me to my ultimate question: What does it all mean for Myles Turner? Coming into Wednesday’s game, Turner is averaging 17.9 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game. He’s been in trade rumors for the last four seasons, and will continue to be. Could he be playing himself into a better contract offer from the Pacers? Or is he dead-set on playing this season out and becoming a free agent? If the latter is true, the Pacers probably have no choice but to trade him at some point this season, regardless of where they sit in the playoff hunt. It could get a little awkward if they continue winning games, and ultimately deal one of their best pieces. But they simply can’t lose Turner for nothing either. His recent play is surely raising his trade value, which is a good thing. We’ll see if he can find the consistency that he has lacked for most of his career.
There are a lot of scenarios that could play out. Do the Pacers pivot their earlier strategy and shop Turner while keeping Hield? Do the Pacers see more value in this version of Turner and try to revisit extension talks? Or have the Pacers already made up their minds and will continue to listen to offers until they pull the trigger on one they like? It will be interesting to see how things shake out. Regardless of what happens with Turner, you have to like the direction and future of this team. They’ve got two young stars, other good young players, lots of draft picks, and lots of cap space. The blue and gold are on the right track.
Tyler Smith covers the Indiana Pacers and Indiana Hoosiers for IndySportsLegends and is a frequent contributor to the Journal Review. Smith is also the head girls basketball coach at Crawfordsville High School.
