Now that the season is officially over for the Indiana Pacers, many decisions must be made regarding the team.  With Herb Simon taking an active role in the decision making process, I look for some positive things to happen.  The roster is going to look different at the start of next season, that has been promised.  I'm wondering what changes will be made.  Here is a look at the players that will be free agents this summer and what I think the organization should do:

  • Ike Diogu - Can be a good rotational player and should be re-signed.
  • Stephen Graham - No matter where he plays, he will be the 11th or 12th man, Indiana should re-sign him.
  • David Harrison - Get as far away as possible from this guy.  Constant headache since coming to Indianapolis.
  • Ronald Murray - Good scoring option, but too wild to run the point.  Let him find another team.
  • Andre Owens - Doesn't really fit into team plans.  Could be re-signed as an emergency backup.  Would ride the bench with Stephen Graham.
  • Kareem Rush - Revived his NBA career with his shooting and play this season.  Good shooter off the bench.  I would re-sign him.
That rids the Pacers of two contracts, while signing 4 players at a low cost, considering they won't have any money to sign an impact free agent.  With the Pacers having a lottery pick this year, they will most likely draft the best player available.  It would be ideal for a point guard to fall to them, or a decent big man, but whoever they add will immediately improve the team.  Unless, they decide to draft Danilo Gallinari that is.  ESPN's Chad Ford currently has the Pacers drafting D.J. Augustin with the 11th pick.  I would be very happy with that.

On top of the free agents, Jermaine O'Neal can opt out of his deal this summer.  I doubt he will do that since he won't get anywhere near the money he will make if he stays with Indiana.  If he is not traded this summer, I would assume quite a few teams would come calling around the trade deadline next season.  If Larry Bird and Herb Simon are smart, they will try and get a deal done before the draft so they can land some draft picks.

Another player the Pacers have to make a decision on is Jamal Tinsley.  I really thought that he played great this season before he got injured.  He was averaging 12 points and 8 assists a game before he shut it down for the season.  If the team can find a taker for him (Miami, LA Clippers, New York - call Indiana), then they can separate themselves from another one of their "troubled" players.

I just hope that all the promises of change are kept.  Should be an interesting summer.























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