Tonight, the Indiana Pacers will make another significant addition to the team, one that can make an immediate impact on the team.
President Larry Bird said earlier in the week, that no player was untouchable and they are always looking to make deals. The Pacers currently have the most money available to spend, around roughly $32 million. But don’t expect the team to use it all up this year. And there is the probably lockout looming above—it would begin on July 1st.
One player I’d like to see the blue and gold make a run at is Indianapolis native Eric Gordon. He is in the final year of his contract out west in LA and the Clippers have made it clear they want to sign him to a long-term deal. He would provide the Pacers with a solid guard who can handle the ball, score from outside, and force contact inside on a drive.
A bird in a field the other day told me that Broad Ripple’s George Hill and Gordon would love to return to their hometown team. What an impressive duo that would be but that may be too challenging for the Pacers to make happen.
Frank Vogel will be the next coach of the Pacers—the waiting is all a part of the process. Owner Herb Simon and Larry Bird want to be assured Vogel can lock in a solid and experienced coaching staff. He can, and he will.
The Pacers are only going up from here. They made the playoffs last year and gave top-seeded Chicago one heck of a series.
The core group currently features Danny Granger, Roy Hibbert, Tyler Hansbrough, Darren Collison and Paul George. But that could all change.
As to who the Pacers draft tonight, nobody knows. But I will throw out a few names.
- Jimmer Fredette – he worked out for five teams and said his best was by far with Indiana. He would add a scoring threat to the Pacers but can he defend? His stock has risen over the last month and will probably be gone by 15th.
- Marshon Brooks – he had an outstanding workout at Indiana. Brooks was a very athletic shooting guard that could help solidify the shooting guard position.
- Markieff Morris – one of the Morris twins, Marcus could be a force inside the paint and team up with Roy Hibbert. At 6-10, 240, the Kansas product would provide the Pacers with a legitimate power forward.
Tonight, the Pacers are hosting a draft party at Conseco Fieldhouse. The doors open at 7 pm and the first 1,000 fans to RSVP online at Pacers.com (which probably already has been filled) will enjoy “dinner on us” as the Pacers will provide a hot dog, chips and soft drink to each member of the family.
Pacers gold rally towels and a Pacers.com Draft Guide will also be available. Fans at the party can enjoy face painting, balloons and more; and prizes will be awarded to lucky winners.
Additionally, all fans attending the Draft Party receive free parking in the Virginia Avenue Garage. Television play-by-play voice Chris Denari will emcee the event alongside Quinn Buckner and visits from past and present Pacers Roy Hibbert, Darren Collison, Paul George, and Lance Stephenson.
So who do you think the Pacers draft? Draft coverage begins at 7:30 pm on ESPN. The Pacers hold the 15th and 42nd pick.