The Pacers posted back-to-back seasons in which they won 48 games but lost in the opening round of the playoffs. This sets up to be a fascinating offseason not just for the Pacers, but across the NBA as about 40 percent of the players are free agents. While the large-market teams are focused on the big prizes, the Pacers will focus on fit and value.
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Victor Oladipo missed more than 55 percent of games last season due to a season-ending quadriceps injury, and it’s unclear when he’ll return. He continues to be ahead of schedule and team president Kevin Pritchard shared in his comments after the draft that it is their hope for him to take the court in December or January.
Still, that big what-if undoubtedly impacts their approach in the offseason, as well as the interest level of free agents.
“You think about the last two years,” said point guard Darren Collison, “and the roster before I got here, you were like, ‘Uh, is this a playoff team?’ But then you add Vic and then you add pieces around him and now you have the last couple of years. They’re always going to be in good hands, especially with Vic.”
During his first comments to the team in September, head coach Nate McMillan touched on the fact that they had a half-dozen players in a contract year and expressed his desire for that not to impede what they wanted to get accomplished as a group. Amazingly, it was not an issue and he wasn’t compelled to speak of it again.
“For us, I don’t know if I’ve ever been a part of a team that’s had so many free agents and so much room to go after players,” Pritchard said. “But yet, when you look at the room and you say, ‘Well, yeah, you got $43 million but now a max contract is $32 million,’ you think it’s a lot but, boy, it can go pretty quickly.”
Pritchard made a trade hours before the draft, acquiring 6-foot-8 forward T.J. Warren from the Suns, along with a 2021 second-round pick. Warren’s contract for next season ($10.8 million) reduces the Pacers’ available money to about $32 million — and so you can see why signing an All-Star is not in the cards this summer.
They have seven players with guaranteed contracts for next season, including first-round pick Goga Bitadze, plus Edmond Sumner and Alize Johnson who expect to be retained. That requires the front office to be smart and creative with its remaining cap space to spend on up to six players.
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The draft was one week ago, now allowing front offices to devote their full attention to free agency. Talks “officially” can begin at 6 p.m. (ET) Sunday, but teams are behind if they haven’t had conversations and set up meetings.
Before looking ahead to potential options, let’s consider last year’s group, and the chance for each player to remain with the Pacers.
Priority to return
Bojan Bogdanovic, 30, forward
Last season: 18 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists
Bogodanovic earned himself a lot of money with his play this past season, specifically after carrying much of the load after Oladipo went down. During that time, he led the team in scoring, was a steady hand and a lot more was demanded of him. He’s a proven shooter and can slip past defenses, get to the rim and defend. Because of that, McMillan called even more plays for him and looked for him last in games.
“After Victor went down, I think that I showed how good I can be both defensively and offensively,” Bogdanovic said after the season. “I don’t like to talk about myself a lot, so I don’t know what’s going to happen in free agency. I’d love to be around these guys and this organization.”
With Croatia failing to qualify for the World Cup, it’s quiet summer for him. But he’s a basketball junkie. And while he’s very comfortable with the Pacers, he aspires to further success in the playoffs.
“I don’t care about the big markets,” he said. “All I care about is to have a good role on a team that is in the playoffs and trying to advance.”
The Pacers will have competition as Bogdanovic is in line for a nice raise from the $10.5 million earned this past season. As they have done in the past, expect for the Pacers to make what they believe is a fair offer and stick to it.
Bogdanovic should expect to be the Pacers’ first phone call Sunday evening.
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Pritchard: “He’ll be a priority. I would say this, I think there’s going to be some high competition for him. I think the way he ended the year and kind of took the load offensively for us, the league has gone such an offensive league in scoring and shooting, specifically with his size, he’s going to have some offers. But we’re going to do our best to keep him.”
Agness’ forecast: Returns on a two-year deal.
Possible to return
Darren Collison, 31, guard
Last season: 11.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, 6.0 assists
Collison played the best basketball of his career during his second stint with the Pacers. He’s gotten smarter about what he’s putting his body through and how to maximize his contributions on the court.
“I’m going to rest and take care of my body,” he said in April. “One thing I’m really impressed with is how my body was able to move this year. As far as being 31 and the speed and moving, I honestly didn’t expect all of that.
“Especially coming from last season. I just think with all this new technology going around and more rest days, it definitely (positively) impacts players my age. You look at like Chris Paul and Kyle Lowry, guys our age are able to play a little bit longer because of how the game is being played.”
Because of technological advancements, better nourishment and mindfulness of wellness, players have been able to compete longer at a high level. Collison is spending the bulk of the offseason in Los Angeles where he has launched Pro’s Vision, an organization for current and former professional players to support and train aspiring young athletes.
Collison will have suitors and may make the most sense on a playoff team that is tight on money. He doesn’t make a lot of mistakes and would fit right in wherever he goes.
Pritchard: “I think Darren had a good run year for two years. I think he’s shown that he’s still a starter. But just like Thad, Bojan and Cory, they all had really good years, and they’re going to have options.”
Agness’ forecast: Will not return.
Thad Young, 31, forward
Last season: 12.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists
Young, the ultimate glue guy on a team, was one of 12 players nominated by NBA legends for the Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year. He was a co-captain, team spokesman and valued leader in the locker room. His contributions cannot be limited to the box score either. The way he assists defensively off the ball, sets hard screens, puts his body on the line.
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Young takes pride in being a leader and is happy to be playing on a stable, winning team.
“I’m very comfortable (with the Pacers),” he said after getting swept by the Celtics in a first-round playoff series. “I’ve been here the last three years, made the playoffs each and every year I’ve been here. … I’m going to take my time, not think about it too much and let everything work itself out.”
The offseason is when Young, who had a memorable vacation in South Africa and Dubai, puts in the most work. It’s the only time he lifts weights, which he does four days a week. He swims laps once or twice a week and is in the gym almost daily. And when he’s on the court, his wife and two sons, T.J. and Taylor, are often there with him.
“I like to have everybody intertwined to what we’re doing as a family,” Young said. “I don’t want to go somewhere and my wife is unhappy. I don’t want to go somewhere and my kids are unhappy. I want to go somewhere where we’re all happy. They’re happy being here, I’m happy being here so if we can figure something out, then we can go from there.”
There are 96 minutes to be distributed at power forward and center, and already, the Pacers have plenty of competition for minutes. Notably, Myles Turner, Domantas Sabonis, Bitadze, Warren and TJ Leaf. So where does that now leave Young? Probably looking elsewhere, despite his family’s comfort with the organization and their love of the area.
Pritchard: “The thing about Thad is he’s an unrestricted free agent, it’s his choice. We’ll have conversations, but at the end of the day it will be his choice.”
Agness’ forecast: Will not return.
Unlikely to return
Cory Joseph, 27, guard
Last season: 6.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists
Joseph can always be counted on to be prepared. He rarely misses time, appearing in every regular-season game during his time with the Pacers. He’s a team player, a likable guy in the locker room and would be a valuable player on a playoff team. However, still in his prime, he may seek the best contract available.
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The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported that the Suns, Wizards, Kings and Bulls are among the teams interested in him for a role off the bench.
Aaron Holiday, the Pacers’ 2018 first-round pick, is ready for a role in the rotation and will be promoted to backup point guard. Therefore, a return doesn’t make sense for either side.
Agness’ forecast: Will not return.
Wesley Matthews, 32, guard/forward
Last season: 10.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists
Matthews spent time with three NBA franchises last season. He began the season in Dallas, was traded to New York as part of the deal for Kristaps Porzingis and then was bought out by the Knicks, as requested. Soon after, many playoff teams were after him, including the Rockets, 76ers, Spurs and Thunder. He chose the Pacers because they were a playoff team and he was promised a spot in the starting lineup.
“It’s been a whirlwind, that’s for sure,” he said after the season ended. “I don’t regret it. … I’m grateful for the opportunity.”
Matthews averaged 7.0 points per game in the playoffs, shooting just 30 percent from the field. The Pacers needed much more from him.
It appears likely that Matthews, who has 10 seasons of experience, could be a role player on a short-term deal for a team contending for a title.
Agness’ forecast: Will not return.
Kyle O’Quinn, 29, center/forward
Last season: 3.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists
O’Quinn was signed to be the fifth big man in case of foul trouble or injury. Barring any trades, this team is set in the frontcourt and must focus on adding shooting and playmakers.
Agness’ forecast: Will not return.
Tyreke Evans, 29, guard
Evans was dismissed from the NBA on May 17 for violating the terms of the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program. He will be out of the league for at least two years.
Agness’ forecast: Will play overseas.
(Top photo of Bojan Bogdanovic: Jeff Hanisch / USA Today Sports)