NBA: Grading Every Team’s Free Agency Moves

Indiana Pacers

Notable Additions: Thaddeus Young, Al Jefferson, Jeff Teague

Free Agency Grade: A

Even though they traded for Thad Young and Jeff Teague, you kind of have to throw them in the free agency additions. Both of those deals were complete steals for the Pacers, too. In Young, Indiana finally gets the mobile four that they’ve been searching for and get a veteran point guard who is a bit more aggressive on the offensive end than George Hill.

Perhaps their biggest addition, though, was Al Jefferson. He may not fit perfectly in today’s up-tempo NBA style, but he is going to be a solid figure as the team’s Sixth Man.

If he can anchor Indiana’s second unit, this deal will look like a bargain. That’s all the Pacers really need to ask from Jefferson. He doesn’t have enough to carry a team or offensive anymore, but he can be effective in spots. That’s what the Pacers are hoping he can do in a bench role – similar to the one he filled for the Charlotte Hornets this past season.

Next: Detroit Pistons