Indiana Pacers rumors: Pacers shouldn’t tank?
It has been a very difficult offseason for the Indiana Pacers.
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The Pacers opened the offseason hopeful they could re-sign talented guard Lance Stephenson. Although Stephenson has had his share of off of the court problems (and plenty on the court as well), the Pacers knew they wouldn’t find a player with as much talent as Stephenson. They offered Stephenson a five-year, $44 million extension, but he declined the offer and wound up inking a three-year deal worth just over $27 million with the Charlotte Hornets.
Then, things got even worse. The Pacers’ best player, forward Paul George, suffered a fractured leg during training camp with Team USA in Las Vegas and will likely miss the entire season.
These losses have caused many to argue the Pacers should tank in the 2014-2015 season and try to become a player the season after.
Kevin Pelton of ESPN.com does not think that is a good idea.
"No. I think that’s a dangerous move, especially before we see how the team responds without Paul George. It’s not inconceivable that they could rally around defense without him. If they’re out of the playoff race at midseason, I think that’s when you talk about potentially moving David West, who’s really the only player to whom this truly applies."
West is an aging veteran but he still could fetch a decent return. Center Roy Hibbert probably won’t be traded because his value is so low.
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