Could the Pacers Target Free Agent Michael Beasley?

Mar 19, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Miami Heat forward

(8) dribbles the ball as Boston Celtics guard/forward

(8) chases during the first quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

The Indiana Pacers are currently looking around for a player that can help them contend in the Eastern Conference after the injury to Paul George and losing Lance Stephenson in free agency. Indiana was seriously looking at veteran small forward Shawn Marion, but he has since decided to sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers to play alongside of LeBron James. Now, the Pacers are going to have to look at other options on the free agent or trade market, that can be had for no more than $2 million so that they stay under the tax.

Could the Pacers look into signing a former number two overall pick Michael Beasley?

He looks to be the most attractive option out on the market right now, and could be a big pickup for this season and the future if he can reach his full potential with the team. The Pacers would be able to plug Beasley into the starting lineup right away, and give him the green light to score the ball, which is exactly where he flourishes. Indiana would be a nice system for him to play in as well, and wouldn’t allow him to get out of focus.

Beasley played in 55 games with the Miami Heat last season, starting in just two of those games. He averaged 7.9 points and 3.1 rebounds per game, and ended up shooting 49.9% from the floor and 38.9% from behind the three-point arc. Last season was huge for Beasley’s appearance around the league, and he showed much more maturity than he has in years past.

While it may not seem like Beasley would be a good fit for the Pacers, they could do much worse than giving him another chance to prove himself. At this point in time, they are looking at starting Solomon Hill, Chris Copeland, or Damjan Rudez, and Beasley would likely be an upgrade over any of those three options. Due to the fact that Beasley wasn’t even a consistent role player, and his inconsistency as a whole in his career, the Pacers could get him at a very cheap price that they can afford.

Larry Bird simply doesn’t have many options to choose from if he is serious about improving his roster. The Pacers desperately need help at the small forward position, and Beasley is the most talented player left at that position. It appears that the Pacers are going to look to acquire someone that can help fill the void, and Beasley might very well be their man.

Overall, don’t be surprised to hear some rumors about the Pacers taking a look at Beasley over the next week or two. He won’t be on the free agent market for too much longer, and is likely waiting to hear from all of his potential suitors before making a decision. The Lakers have been interested in him, but if he had the choice, the Pacers’ starting small forward position would likely be the most attractive option that he will have.