Indiana Pacers: The case against pursuing Zach LaVine in free agency

With the Indiana Pacers having a boatload of cash to spend within the offseason, the entrance workplace can undoubtedly make a professional run at obtainable top-tier free brokers. That’s the reason they’ll simply shove their means into the Zach LaVine sweepstakes ought to the two-time All-Star bolt Chicago seeking a extra profitable deal.

Since our final article on this entrance nevertheless, many followers have expressed their disapproval with the Pacers hypothetically pursuing LaVine. And given the circumstances across the explosive scoring guard, steering away from him might truly be the appropriate name for the entrance workplace.

The Indiana Pacers ought to keep away from the brief lower and veer away from Zach LaVine

Whereas the franchise might by no means say it, the Indiana Pacers are within the early phases of a tender rebuild. Nonetheless, the workforce’s steady aim to compete will in all probability resume as early as subsequent season, making Zach LaVine look like a superb addition to assist their successful trigger.

Nonetheless, within the grand scheme of issues, breaking the financial institution for LaVine and his purported max contract worth will severely restrict the Pacers’ wiggle room to maneuver within the following years. Not solely does Indiana should account for the looming extensions of their younger cogs like Tyrese Haliburton, however bringing him in will lower into the need of even having Chris Duarte on the roster.

Monetary bothers apart, LaVine, for all the good issues tied to his sport, is just not a viable major scoring choice on a successful workforce. He’s additionally a one-dimensional piece, excelling on offense however falling behind as a defender. Thus, the Pacers must actually love the mix of Haliburton and LaVine to solely banner the franchise transferring ahead, with solely an add-on of whoever they purchase within the upcoming draft.

Factor is, Indiana can merely choose to hunt extra pressing additions than take the brief lower and closely pursue LaVine. Whereas Duarte is just not who the All-Star is correct now, he’s a rookie who has an incredible upside to his sport on each ends of the ground. Extra importantly, he’ll solely price a fraction of LaVine’s perceived market worth.

The itch for any franchise, particularly the Indiana Pacers, to return to optimum competitiveness as quickly as attainable ought to at all times be tempered. In any case, there’s a good trigger for slicing down on the current to construct for the long run. Going after Zach LaVine might assist the Pacers get extra wins alongside the way in which, however being dedicated to their present observe might internet them extra successful seasons transferring ahead.