A number of low profile offseason additions have helped the Pacers take a step forward this summer, so say a number of league experts, as Scott Horner of The Indianapolis Star writes.
The Pacers added significant depth when they brought aboard Tyreke Evans, Kyle O’Quinn and Doug McDermott and will benefit from the addition of first-round pick Aaron Holiday and whatever inevitable improvements Victor Oladipo makes to his game over the course of the offseason.
There was no shortage of journalists willing to praise the Pacers for their summer work and NBA.com’s David Aldridge even went so far as to say that they’re as good a threat as any in the East to challenge the Celtics this season.
Here’s more from around the Central:
- There’s no denying that Andre Drummond has been busy working on his perimeter shooting, at least if you’ve followed his Instagram stories this offseason. Rod Beard of The Detroit News writes that the Pistons big man is hoping to use the new weapon to move away from the basket. “Adding that to my game is something I’ve been working on for years but this is the year where I’ve taken it to another level of putting up a lot more shots, and I’m getting more comfortable with it,” Drummond said.
- Fans may be quick to call the new-look Eastern Conference a three-horse race involving the Celtics, Raptors and Sixers, but Brook Lopez assures Alex Kennedy of HoopsHype that the Bucks are confident they can take the crown. “I think we’re very confident that we can, no question, win the East.“
- Injured Pistons forward Jon Leuer had successful surgery yesterday, the team announced in a press conference. The procedure is related to a meniscus injury that occurred in a workout earlier this week. His status will be updated prior to training camp.
The Pacers have been able to sign free agents for $12MM and under. Next summer will be a challenge.
Hoops Hype rates Myles Turner as the no. 10 ranked free agent. Darren Collison and Tyreke Evana are ranked like 31 and 32. The Pacers will have over $50MM to spend. It won’t be like these last 2 summers.
It’s funny. Lopez says the Bucks can win the east. Jaylen Brown says the Celtics will win the east. (NBC Sports) John Wall says the Wizards can win the east. (NBC Sports)
I didnt know Drummond was in the excavation shoring game. Does he use an abi or ape attachment to drive the sheeting?
What a pair Detroit is got with Blake/Drummond, both can score, shoot from distance (if Drummond’s work pans out) rebound, excellent passers… wow really exciting, they just need a good player in the perimeter.
I agree with Lopez, I have got Milwaukee at #3 with a chance at #2, so is only logical they can win it, they have the best player in the east, so anything is possible. Also Washington are in my #4, so again nothing impossible, even some ex-players said they think Washington is a serious candidate for the finals.