As the Summer creeps up on us, the Pacers have some decisions to make with their roster.  I think one of the smartest moves the team could make, is to look at some players from the NBDL for bench help.  I have made a list of four players the team should look at this summer.

1.  Earl Calloway - Guard - Fort Wayne Mad Ants - Calloway has proven his worth in the NBDL.  He averaged 19ppg, 5rpg, 6apg, and 2spg for the season.  With one triple-double and seven double-doubles, the former Indiana Hoosier can be a solid contributor off the bench for the Pacers.  His Assist-to-Turnover ratio (just over 2-to-1) is a little bothersome to me, but he won't be the main option when he is on the floor, so that should come down.  He can take the spot of Andre Owens and Flip Murray on the team.

2.  Julius Hodge - Guard/Forward - Albuquerque Thunderbirds - After being a lottery pick a few seasons ago, Hodge struggled to get into the NBA flow.  He was shot during his rookie season, so that didn't help his development at all, but it seems like he is now ready for the jump back up to the NBA.  With season averages of 24ppg, 8rpg, and 6apg, Hodge has a versatile game and can hurt the opposition from many different angles.  Hodge could come in with the second unit and be a vital player in the rotation.

3.  Carlos Powell - Forward - Dakota Wizards - Powell is another guy that can do more than one thing pretty good.  At 6'7, 225, Powell could play either the 2 or 3 on a regular basis and could also play some 4 in a smaller lineup, which is what the Pacers like to go with.  Powell averaged 23ppg, 6rpg, and 5apg this season.  Again, his turnovers need to come down, but he could add some help off the bench.

4.  Ivan Johnson - Forward - Rio Grande Valley Vipers - Johnson has some nice size at 6'8 and 230.  He is a pretty athletic prospect that came from Cal. State San Bernardino.  He averaged 14ppg, 7rpg, 1apg, 1bpg, and 1spg this season.  He can play solid defense and his length will help shut down passing lanes and alter some shots.  He would be a nice energy guy off the bench for the Pacers.

I'm not saying to sign all four players, but it is a wise decision to take a look at some other options this Summer.  Not every player in the NBA should be there.  The same can be said for some of the players in the NBDL.  Taking a look will never hurt.

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