This could be the Indiana Pacers only shot at drafting a future franchise player who can be an elite scorer.
“Michael reports that Indiana is open to trading the pick if they can acquire a proven player who is under contract for at least two more seasons. That could make the Rockets a fit, since they can offer a quality veteran guard in Eric Gordon — who is signed through at least 2022-23 and happens to be an Indiana native, to boot. In theory, Houston might also include one of its two later draft picks (No. 23, No. 24), which would allow Indiana to still emerge with a first-round talent, if desired,” per the IndyStar.
The Pacers hired Rick Carlisle on a four-year $29 million deal after firing Nate Bjorkgren who went 34-38 this season.
If the Pacers trade the No. 13 pick, the right route would have to be acquiring players who can produce off the bench.
Everyone knows you need a bench in order to make it far in the NBA Playoffs and small market teams like Phoenix and Milwaukee proven that.
Eric Gordon is a good player but he’s realistically not the answer for the Pacers to be a instant threat or title contender in the Eastern Conference.