PG: George Hill
SG: C.J. Miles
SF: Paul George/Solomon Hill/Damjan Rudez
PF: ???
C: Ian Mahinmi
2015 Free Agents
F Chris Copeland (RFA)
C Shayne Whittington (RFA)
PF Lavoy Allen
C Roy Hibbert (player option)
PF Luis Scola
PG Donald Sloan
SG Rodney Stuckey
PG C.J. Watson
PF David West (player option)
2015 Draft Picks
1-11
2-13(43)
Team Needs
Indiana's needs will change dramatically depending on which of their free agents re-sign or opt-in. The Pacers reportedly want to play more of an up-and-down wide open offense, so they are probably hoping Roy Hibbert and David West elect for free agency, but that isn't very likely. Assuming they do return, it still leaves some holes, particularly in the backcourt. George Hill took a big step forward last season and can play either guard spot, allowing for some creativity with lineups and player acquisitions. A playmaking guard that can handle the ball and a create without being a disaster of a shooter like Rodney Stuckey would really help open up their offense. Likewise, a knockdown shooter at shooting guard would really help with spacing. Another option to create space would be moving Paul George to power forward more often and slotting in a scoring wing player into the small forward position. Because both Hibbert and West will likely be gone by next season at the latest, a long-term replacement will be needed at center.
Potential Fits
If Indiana is looking for a guard to play alongside Hill, they have a number of different flavors to choose from. If they are looking for a point guard and want to move Hill permanently to shooting guard, Murray State's Cameron Payne would fit. Payne, whom the Pacers have shown interest in, is a good shooter and playmaker, but is on the smaller size and lacks defensive versatility. Notre Dame's Jerian Grant does have the size and athletic ability to defend shooting guards and is a tremendous offensive creator, but isn't quite the shooter that Payne is. Neither Payne nor Grant's jumper matches up with Kentucky shooting guard Devin Booker's shot, but he is an off-ball player only and wouldn't take much of the playmaking duties from Hill. If Indiana is looking for more of a wing player, Kansas' Kelly Oubre would be an ideal fit to expand their offense and not hurt their perimeter defense. Texas big man Myles Turner wouldn't necessarily play a huge role next season, but he could be an excellent long-term replacement for Hibbert because of his ability to protect the rim and make outside shots. Wisconsin big man Frank Kaminsky would definitely open up their offense more with his shooting and ball skills, but would be more of a West replacement than a center, and I get the feeling Indiana likes the idea of George as a power forward.
Mock Draft
11. Kelly Oubre, SF, Kansas
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