The Indiana Pacers have had an exciting season, showing promise as one of the rising teams in the Eastern Conference. Led by young star Tyrese Haliburton, the team has one of the most dynamic offenses in the league. However, despite their strong performances, there are still some areas where they could improve—especially when it comes to experience and backcourt depth.
Now that the NBA trade deadline has passed, teams looking to improve their rosters are turning to the buyout market. The Pacers could be one of those teams. With an open roster spot and playoff ambitions, Indiana might consider adding a veteran guard who can provide leadership, stability, and key contributions down the stretch.
The question is: Who could be available, and would any of them be a good fit for Indiana?
Why a Veteran Guard Could Help the Pacers
The Pacers’ backcourt is currently built around Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin, with other key guards like T.J. McConnell and Andrew Nembhard playing important roles. While these players have been effective, there are a few reasons why adding an experienced veteran could be beneficial:
1. Playoff Experience
Indiana is a young team, and while they have talented players, they lack postseason experience. A veteran guard with deep playoff experience could help the team navigate high-pressure moments, whether it’s in close games or tough matchups against elite teams.
2. Leadership and Mentorship
Haliburton is a fantastic leader for the Pacers, but having a seasoned veteran in the locker room could be valuable, especially for the younger players. Someone who has been through multiple NBA seasons, playoff runs, and tough situations can help guide the team mentally and strategically.
3. Improved Depth and Injury Insurance
The NBA season is long, and injuries can happen at any time. If Haliburton or another key guard misses time, having a reliable backup with experience running an offense could be crucial.
4. Defensive Help
While Indiana’s offense is one of the best in the league, their defense has been inconsistent. A veteran guard with strong defensive skills could help tighten things up, particularly in late-game situations.
With these factors in mind, the Pacers could look toward the buyout market for a player who can check at least some of these boxes.
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Which Guards Could Be Available?
Not every player who is traded at the deadline will remain with their new team. Some players may not fit into their new team’s plans and could agree to a contract buyout, allowing them to become free agents.
Here are some veteran guards who could be available and how they might fit with the Pacers:
1. Kyle Lowry (Charlotte Hornets)
- Current Situation: Lowry was traded from the Miami Heat to the Charlotte Hornets before the deadline. Since Charlotte is rebuilding, they might buy him out.
- How He Fits with Indiana: Lowry, a six-time All-Star and former NBA champion, brings experience, toughness, and leadership. He’s a strong defender and a capable playmaker who could provide a steady hand in critical moments.
- Potential Downsides: He is 37 years old and no longer the player he once was. His scoring has declined, and his durability is a concern.
2. Spencer Dinwiddie (Potential Buyout Candidate)
- Current Situation: Dinwiddie was traded to the Toronto Raptors and is reportedly a buyout candidate.
- How He Fits with Indiana: Dinwiddie is a proven scorer and playmaker. He can create his own shot, run an offense, and has experience in big games. His size (6’5″) also allows him to defend multiple positions.
- Potential Downsides: He is more of a shoot-first guard rather than a true facilitator, which might not be the best fit alongside Haliburton.
3. Goran Dragić (Potential Buyout Candidate)
- Current Situation: Dragić is not currently on an NBA team but has expressed interest in returning to the league.
- How He Fits with Indiana: A veteran playmaker with a history of success in big moments, Dragić is a crafty scorer and excellent passer who could help the second unit.
- Potential Downsides: At 37, he is past his prime, and his defense has declined significantly.
4. Reggie Jackson (Denver Nuggets)
- Current Situation: Jackson has played limited minutes for Denver this season and could be bought out if the team wants to make room for another player.
- How He Fits with Indiana: He is an experienced scorer who can provide instant offense off the bench. His ability to hit clutch shots makes him a valuable option.
- Potential Downsides: He is not a strong defender and can be inconsistent as a playmaker.
5. John Wall (Free Agent)
- Current Situation: Wall has not played this season but is reportedly looking for a team.
- How He Fits with Indiana: Wall is an experienced point guard who could provide depth, veteran leadership, and occasional scoring bursts.
- Potential Downsides: His injury history is a major concern, and his game has declined over the past few years.
What Are the Pacers’ Options?
Indiana has an open roster spot, which means they wouldn’t have to cut a player to sign someone from the buyout market. However, the team also needs to consider whether signing a veteran guard would take away valuable minutes from their young players.
Here are a few directions the Pacers could take:
- Sign an Experienced Playmaker – If the team wants a veteran who can help run the offense and provide stability, someone like Kyle Lowry or Goran Dragić could be a good fit.
- Add a Scoring Guard – If Indiana is looking for an offensive boost off the bench, Spencer Dinwiddie or Reggie Jackson could provide instant scoring and shot creation.
- Stay Patient – The Pacers might choose to stick with their current roster and allow younger players like Andrew Nembhard and Bennedict Mathurin to continue developing in key roles.
It will ultimately depend on what Indiana values most heading into the playoffs.
Will the Pacers Make a Move?
The buyout market is unpredictable, and teams must act quickly if a quality player becomes available. The Pacers are in a competitive spot in the Eastern Conference, and making a smart move could help them in their push for a deep playoff run.
While they don’t necessarily need to add a player, signing the right veteran could bring experience, leadership, and reliability—three qualities that can make a difference in a tight playoff race.
With Indiana’s fast-paced offense and young core, adding an experienced guard who can provide stability in crucial moments might be the final piece they need.
For now, Pacers fans will have to wait and see if the team makes a move or trusts their current roster to carry them through the rest of the season.
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