Indiana

What The Indiana Pacers Need To Consider In Free Agency With Veteran Guard George Hill

Published

12 months ago

June 22, 2023

What The Indiana Pacers Need To Consider In Free Agency With Veteran Guard George Hill

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – MARCH 16: George Hill #7 of the Indiana Pacers walks down court during the … [+] first half of the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on March 16, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)

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George Hill was, by all accounts, exactly what a young Indiana Pacers team needed this past season.

The 37-year old guard was sent to the franchise at the trade deadline in February, and he instantly made an impact. Several young players praised his leadership, and he gave the team decent on-court contributions as well.

By the conclusion of the season, Hill averaged 5.2 points and 1.9 assists per game in 11 appearances for the Pacers. He started one time and scored 17 points in the team’s season finale. At his best, he provided useful depth.

“George Hill has meant so much to this organization,” Pacers President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard said.

Hill was a great veteran, providing advice and lessons in the locker room. The Indianapolis native has been in the league for 15 seasons, so the inexperienced Pacers had a resource to rely on in Hill. He, along with James Johnson, were crucial voices for the blue and gold.

Now, Hill is a free agent. He just finished a two-year, $8 million deal that he signed with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021. Because he was traded while still on that contract, Indiana inherited his Early Bird rights.

That means that if the Pacers keep Hill’s $5.2 million cap hold on the books in free agency, they can re-sign the veteran to a deal that is up to four years in length and starts at a number that is 105% of the NBA’s average salary. The maximum raises would be 8% of the first year salary in the contract. The Pacers could simply sign Hill to a bigger deal using salary cap space, but the veteran guard’s contract will certainly fit within the parameters of the Early Bird exception. He isn’t worth more than his prior salary.

Truthfully, at Hill’s age and production, a minimum contract could be enough to retain his services. Such a deal would pay him roughly $3 million, though the Pacers cap hit would be closer to $2 million.

As a mentor, and as a guard who can still contribute when needed, Hill has value. Especially to the Pacers, a franchise he wants to retire with.

“I would love the opportunity [to be back],” Hill said of free agency. “Like I said, I would love to be like a Udonis [Haslem] but play.”

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 09: George Hill #7 of the Indiana Pacers talks with referee Dannica … [+] Mosher #89 at Madison Square Garden on April 09, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

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The finances shouldn’t be an issue for the Pacers or Hill. Indiana has plenty of resources to afford the veteran. The questions about keeping Hill are more about opportunity cost.

The blue and gold only have three standard roster spots this summer, at least prior to the NBA Draft. Hill, along with Oshae Brissett and James Johnson, are entering free agency. But the Pacers have four draft picks and tons of cap space to work with.

That’s where the opportunity cost lies. Retaining Hill, which would be a fine decision, would fill one of those roster spots and force Indiana to be stingy with how they use their picks or cap space. They couldn’t use a roster spot on Hill and something else. For a team that has playoff goals next season, that’s a tricky proposition.

Trades may be coming for the Pacers to sort out their roster crunch. They have already agreed to two different trades involving draft picks this week, and more could be coming. If more players are sent away than brought in, then keeping Hill would come with less opportunity cost — and thus be an easier decision for the Pacers.

“He loves it here, and that means a lot to me,” Pritchard said of Hill. He noted that Hill was a great resource for the Pacers’ younger point guards, such as Andrew Nembhard and Tyrese Haliburton.

Indiana will also have to decide if they need both Hill and Johnson next season. Both players are wonderful veterans, but using two roster spots on locker room pieces who don’t hit the hardwood much may not be the best use of assets for the blue and gold. That’s something they will have to wrestle with prior to free agency.

The Pacers must determine if they need to have any offer they make to Hill be a fully guaranteed deal. Johnson’s contract last year, for example, was completely non-guaranteed. That could be a way for the team to keep some flexibility while still keeping a valuable veteran around.

Truly, there are a lot of factors for the Indiana Pacers to consider with George Hill in free agency. But there is no doubt he has value for the team, and it would be a smart and justifiable move if the franchise retained him for another season.

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Indiana

Indiana Pacers one of seven teams with more than two picks in 2024 NBA Draft

Published

5 hours ago

June 16, 2024

Press Room

Indiana Pacers one of seven teams with more than two picks in 2024 NBA Draft

The Indiana Pacers have one of the more unique NBA Draft setups in the league this season. They hold many picks, yet none in the first round.

Indiana traded their first-round draft pick to Toronto, but they acquired selections from Toronto and New Oreans last season. That means the Pacers have three picks this year, and all of them are in the second round. In total, they are one of just seven teams with more than two picks, but the other six franchises all own a first-round choice. Five of them possess a lottery pick.

The Pacers know they are limited in this draft but still hope to add talent. It may be difficult for them to make three selections with their few available roster spots, but with three open two-way contract slots it is possible. Their highest pick is 36th overall.

“You can kind of see where the holes that you just need to fill in from a balanced depth chart [perspective]. But we’re always going to be trying to find the best player we can get, too,” Pacers general manager Chad Buchanan said of the draft.

After 36, Indiana will pick 49th and 50th, barring trades. It’s an odd reality, yet one that is worth it for the blue and gold after acquiring Siakam. It’s rare to see a team have a high number of picks yet not have any in the first round with strong quality.

“With pick 36 we’ll probably try to get the best player we can get. Ideally, it’s at a position where we have a roster depth need,” Buchanan shared.

The Pacers will work out between 35 and 40 players as a part of their pre-draft preparation. Those sessions have featured up-tempo play and an easy-going vibe. NBA legend and Pacers consultant Larry Bird was at one of the workouts, which left a few prospects starstruck.

The NBA Draft begins on June 26 and spans two days this year for the first time ever.

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Indiana

Pastor Micah Beckwith is Indiana GOP nominee for lieutenant governor, beating Mike Braun’s pick

Published

13 hours ago

June 15, 2024

Press Room

Pastor Micah Beckwith is Indiana GOP nominee for lieutenant governor, beating Mike Braun’s pick

Micah Beckwith won the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor by 63 votes out of more than 1,700 cast at the Indiana Republican Party state convention on June 15, 2024. - Brandon Smith/IPB News — Micah Beckwith won the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor by 63 votes out of more than 1,700 cast at the Indiana Republican Party state convention on June 15, 2024.
*Brandon Smith/IPB News*

Ultraconservative pastor Micah Beckwith scored a stunning upset Saturday to become the Indiana Republican Party’s nominee for lieutenant governor.

Beckwith defeated gubernatorial nominee Mike Braun’s pick for running mate at the state GOP convention in what Braun is calling a “bump in the road.”

Braun likened having a running mate who wasn’t his first choice to dealing with “feisty” employees or customers in his business. And he said it’s clear that he’s in charge.

“My running mate can say whatever he wants,” Braun said. “If it doesn’t make sense or it doesn’t resonate, remember: I’m going to be the governor.”

On stage in the wake of the vote, Braun welcomed Beckwith to the ticket.

“Everything you believe in, I have as well,” Braun said.

Beckwith, a self-proclaimed Christian nationalist, said he looks forward to working with Braun. He said he’s not going to be “divisive” or a “flamethrower.”

“I want to be a unifier. I want to extend an olive branch,” Beckwith said. “I want to make sure that people are heard. I think the conservative movement, the grassroots movement that I’m a part of — I believe they feel unheard.”

Beckwith built his campaign on the idea of being a check and balance to the governor. And he said the convention result further exposed divisions in the Republican Party.

READ MORE: You asked what role state party conventions play in Indiana. We’ve got answers

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Beckwith beat state Rep. Julie McGuire (R-Indianapolis) for the nomination by 891 votes to 828.

Delegates also officially nominated incumbent Todd Rokita as the GOP nominee for attorney general. He was unopposed at the convention.

Rokita took to the stage in boxing gloves and vowed to continue to be a fighter in the office.

“We have to take these gloves off, because the radicals won’t stop,” Rokita said.

Democrats will choose their nominees for attorney general and lieutenant governor next month.

Brandon is our Statehouse bureau chief. Contact him at bsmith@ipbs.org.

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Indiana

BREAKING: LSU Baseball Lands Commitment From Indiana State Pitcher Luke Hayden

Published

20 hours ago

June 15, 2024

Press Room

BREAKING: LSU Baseball Lands Commitment From Indiana State Pitcher Luke Hayden

Jay Johnson and the LSU baseball staff continue their hot streak in the NCAA Transfer Portal after adding their fourth pitcher this offseason: Indiana State’s Luke Hayden.

Hayden, a right-handed pitcher who shined for the Sycamores in 2024, is Baton Rouge bound with a chance to become a pivotal relief pitcher for the Tigers next season.

During the 2024 season, Hayden tallied 91 strikeouts in 78 innings pitched with a 3.81 ERA. The Indiana State stud adds to the Tigers’ impressive Transfer Portal haul, becoming the fifth addition in the last seven days.

Johnson and Co. have now reeled in Indiana State’s top two players from a season ago in both Hayden and slugger Luis Hernandez.

Hernandez revealed his commitment to LSU earlier in the week with the Tigers adding the electric power-hitter.

Hayden is the fifth transfer to announce his commitment to LSU.

BREAKING: Here come the Tigers… Jay Johnson and the Tigers land another Transfer Portal commitment: Luke Hayden.
The Indiana State star is Baton Rouge bound with a chance to make an impact for #LSU.
The 2024 Numbers:
78 IP
3.81 ERA
91 strikeouts
47 BB
The Tigers are rolling. pic.twitter.com/dIwyrNbKMP
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— Zack Nagy (@znagy20) June 15, 2024

A dive into the five Transfer Portal commitments:

Chandler Dorsey: South Florida

On Monday, LSU secured its first portal commitment after South Florida relief pitcher Chandler Dorsey announced he would be taking his talents to Baton Rouge.

The right-handed relief pitcher announced on social media:

“Blessed to announce my commitment to LSU to further my academic and baseball career,” Dorsey said via Instagram. “I want to thank God, my family and coaches who helped me throughout this journey! Geaux Tigers!”

Dorsey announced his intentions to depart South Florida after two years with the program.

During the 2024 season, the prized righty went 2-1 with eight saves and a 3.60 ERA (12 ER/30.0 IP) with a 1.20 WHIP. He also racked up 41 strikeouts on the season during year two with the Bulls.

Now, he’s Baton Rouge bound as the first commitment for LSU during the offseason after seeing nine departures over the last eight days.

Luis Hernandez: Indiana State

Hernandez revealed his commitment to Johnson and Co. on Tuesday with LSU adding a key piece to the lineup for the 2025 season.

After three years with the Sycamores, Hernandez entered the portal with a chance to find a change of scenery.

Now, he’s Baton Rouge bound with Johnson finding a talented power hitter to replace the likes of Tommy White and others.

The utility slugger finished his career with Indiana State batting .315 across his three years with the program. In 578 career at-bats, Hernandez tallied 182 hits, 118 runs, 32 home runs, 120 RBIs and has drawn 48 walks.

In 2024, he pieced together his most impressive year yet. Hernandez raked in 23 home runs with a .359 batting average and 76 runs batted in.

He has the chance to be a key component to what the Tigers do in 2025. A player who has played in the infield, catcher and served as designated hitter, Hernandez is a utility piece for LSU come next season.

Zac Cowan: Wofford

The All-SoCon right-handed pitcher went 10-2 with 124 strikeouts and 29 walks in 110 innings at Wofford this spring. Cowan also boasts a 3.35 ERA after dismantling opponents during the 2024 season with the Terriers.

It’s another big-time addition to the pitching rotation for Johnson and Co. as he continues working through Transfer Portal evaluations.

Now, he brings in an ace who’s proven he can compete at the highest level.

Cowan, who was one of the most sought-after transfers in the portal, will now head to Baton Rouge with the chance to earn a starting slot alongside several prominent arms.

Cowan is the third addition for LSU this offseason, joining South Florida right-handed pitcher Chandler Dorsey and Indiana State slugger Luis Hernandez.

Deven Sheerin: Mount St. Mary’s Pitcher

Jay Johnson and the LSU baseball staff remained hot in the NCAA Transfer Portal on Friday night after adding a commitment from Mount St. Mary’s Deven Sheerin.

The electric right-handed pitcher is fresh off of a dominant first season of college baseball after dismantling opponents in year one.

Sheerin logged a 4.76 ERA in 2024 with 109 strikeouts, 32 walks, 10 HBP and 37 earned runs in 70 innings pitched. The numbers speak for themselves, but Sheerin’s arsenal pitches has proven to be what makes him so lethal.

As just a freshman, his fastball has been clocked at 98mph while hovering in the 95mph range routinely.

The addition is another impressive one for Johnson and the Tigers, but the key factor here is that Sheerin won’t be eligible for the MLB Draft until 2026, meaning he’ll be in Baton Rouge for at least two seasons.

It’s a dynamic piece for the Tigers, and now with Sheerin in the mix, LSU has now secured a trio of immediate impact pitchers for the 2025 season.

Other LSU News:

LSU Baseball: Tigers Secure Commitment From Wofford Ace Zac Cowan

BREAKING: LSU Lands Commitment From Indiana State Slugger Luis Hernandez

LSU Baseball: Jay Johnson Reacts to Paul Mainieri Being Hired By South Carolina

Join the Community:

Follow Zack Nagy on Twitter: @znagy20 and LSU Country: @LSUCountry_FN for all coverage surrounding the LSU program.

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