I've been scouring the internet for concrete information on your team's defense for this upcoming season and I can't find much concrete.
Would anyone be willing to speak up for what kind of expectations people should have surrounding your defense in 2026-27?
There are a lot of Switch games that I think would look incredible with an upgrade for the Switch 2.
Pokémon snap and Pokken stand out as two
Games that could really reach their intended potential with a simple upgrade to 4K.
Any games you’re all holding out hope for?
After having seen him get some reps last season, the guy seems like an absolute bruiser.
I think most ND fans trust Aneyas and don’t see him as the question mark the rest of the NCAA pretends he is. This guy is shifty, broken off big runs, and his hands are probably some of the greatest we’ve ever had in a running back.
NJJ is a seemingly perfect compliment to what he does and could force some frustrating adjustments from other teams. Any word on how he looks in practice? Is he a guy we turn to on third and short?
If anyone has some insight or could list some reasonable expectations from him this upcoming season, do comment below!
This tier list will cover and discuss the likelihood of the current roster’s trade pieces by tier. This is all subjective.
There seems to be discourse about acquiring Trey Murphy III from the Pelicans. A lot of these mock trades suggest doing something along the lines of trading another first round draft pick and/or Aaron Nesmith. I don’t think the oh so dedicated Pacers fanbase would really want for this to happen. Thus, here is a tier list that combines the reality to depart from the team as well as team’s willingness to let them go. This is for Pacers fans enjoyment and other fan bases information.
Stars - 0 ability to be moved
Hali, Pascal
This tier goes without needing to be discussed. Players in this tier have an importance beyond replacement. None of them will be moved for any realistic deal.
Core - This tier would take an absolutely monstrously beneficial deal for the Pacers, but these players are otherwise seen as untradeable.
Nesmith, Nembhard, Zubac
The elements each of these players bring to the team are instrumental to our success and should not be moved under almost any realistic circumstance. Some people would accuse Nesmith of not being a part of this, but I’d argue his 3 and D capabilities combined are behind very few other players in the NBA. After losing Mathurin AND that first round pick, there is no going back on Zubac. Nembhard, for those who didn’t know, was a problem before this past season even started. Now, he’s gotten more experience as the primary ball handler and as the first/second scoring option. He’s is going to be a PROBLEM problem. These 3 players are MUSTS for next season.
Heart players - players that are either high quality bench performers or mean something to the team that’s intangible, yet statistically replaceable for good value trades.
Obi Toppin, TJ McConnell, Johnny Furphy
Hold on, hold on, calm down! I know Furphy “doesn’t belong” in this tier. But are we trading him? No! Just won’t happen. Obi is Tyrese’s best friend on the team and per minute is one of the best players on the team. Not to mention he’s strong on both sides of the floor. This is a starter on the bench. Mark my words, Obi will have his day! TJ is a city favorite and would likely just retire if traded. This is his home and the city loves having him. Not only that, but he brings a spirit to the team that hasn’t existed since Lance Stephenson. He’s not leaving, neither are the other two.
Likely home? - Quentin Jackson
This tier is one person and will be explained at the same time it’s introduced. QJ served as a combo guard for the less dense and less deep part of the roster. We would have to be receiving a guard in exchange for his departure. The front office would be willing to trade him, but he’s not a focal point nor would cause a trade to happen with his level of value. I like him a lot as a player, and if you disagree with this portion of the list, I can completely understand.
Lack of significance - these players don’t create a lot of value and this are more likely to just be added to a trade than to be a focal point as to why the trade happens. No, they aren’t better than the remaining players on the list, but they just won’t be the point of a trade.
Jalen Slawson, Ethan Thompson, Kam Jones
Slawson was a late addition to a beat down roster and showed that there’s plenty to offer. That being said, I don’t think other teams were watching. He was a lot of fun to watch, but it wouldn’t be crazy to think he leaves as part of a trade package. Ethan Thompson came out hot and fell off. He’s very young and needs development, but has upside as a potential ball handler and effort guy. I think other teams have no interest, unless they’re a couple years out from competing and are moreso curious than convinced. Kam Jones showed little, I doubt there’s interest in him or that he moves the needle any type of way.
Trade pieces - these players are either the most likely to be thrown in or generate value in a way that Pacers could use them to their own benefit for more depth, which is what we really need at this point.
Jarace Walker, Jay Huff, Ben Sheppard, Micah Potter, Kobe Brown
Jarace is the most likely to go on the entire team as he teeters in value and consistency. Teams are likely to take a chance on him for his 3 point shooting, passing ability, and rebounding. Jay Huff has garnered attention since joining the Pacers and showed some great minutes as a secondary option at center. He’d likely be part of a decent package. Micah Potter is the most underrated Pacer on the roster and is in my opinion capable of dethroning Jay Huff. I would imagine other teams could want him if they’re in need of a second big and some floor spacing. Ben Sheppard’s shooting shone in the second half of the season and his defense from the 2025 playoffs is likely remembered by many other teams. Don’t be surprised to hear about offers surrounding his name. Kobe Brown is simply the most likely to be a throw-in to a trade. He’s a very young Swiss-army knife who is going to be VERY cheap. Other teams may see the potential, like we did, and request his presence as an addition to a package.
Conclusions: a lot of these are beliefs of mine and I’m not using stats to back them up, so take it all with a grain of salt. That being said, I feel dedicated Pacers fans likely share sentiment on most of the players listed. I encourage you to leave comments below and tell me what you think!