Sir Charles in Charge
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NBA Free Agency: 4 fun fits that we need to see this summer

By Mason McFee

Feb 8, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) attempts a shot against Denver Nuggets forward Darrell Arthur (00) in the third quarter of their game at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 117-106. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 8, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) attempts a shot against Denver Nuggets forward Darrell Arthur (00) in the third quarter of their game at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 117-106. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 15, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Serge Ibaka (9) goes to shoot against Milwaukee Bucks center Greg Monroe (15) in game one of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Milwaukee defeated Toronto 97-83. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Serge Ibaka (9) goes to shoot against Milwaukee Bucks center Greg Monroe (15) in game one of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Milwaukee defeated Toronto 97-83. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Indy Gets Iblocka

Sorry, I couldn’t come up with a clever heading this time.

The Indiana Pacers could quickly go from fringe playoff contender to lottery bound team in less than 24 hours. If the Pacers do indeed trade Paul George for Kevin Love or some of the Lakers’ young guns, then this slide is pointless. Since nothing has happened yet, I’m going to act like Paul George is going to play out next season in Indiana; or at least to start.

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Indiana is in a weird place. Larry Bird is now a consultant with the team, they just hired a new GM, and they know their superstar (I think he is, do you?) is leaving them in just a matter of time. Do they go all in as one last desperate attempt to convince him to change his mind? Or do they build for the future?

I think the Pacers can contend for a playoff spot next season even if Paul George gets traded. Chances are it would be for a forward, but let’s say he stays and Indiana re-signs Teague. I know Teague isn’t flashy, but he’s consistent, and a smart player. Then the Pacers go out and sign Ibaka. Here’s your projected starting lineup:

  • Teague-Stephenson-George-Ibaka-Turner

And the bench:

  • Joe Young-Ellis-Glenn Robinson-Young-Jefferson

The Pacers could look to sign another Aaron Brooks type to spell Teague, but that’s not a bad group. Ibaka can mentor Turner as he’s still set to command a major payday despite losing lateral quickness and expanding his range. Those are namely the concerns with Turner long term, so the two could be a defensive nightmare for opposing squads.

Must Read: NBA Free Agency: Predicting where the top 15 free agents will sign

Lance just works in Indiana. It’s one of those basketball things you just have to accept and appreciate. I already talked about Teague. You know what George can do.

Will/would this group contend for a title? Probably not. But it’s better than what most teams can offer in the Eastern Conference.

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