Indiana Pacers: A Look at the Newest Players
The Indiana Pacers roster overhaul is finished. In total, seven new players were added to the team in the offseason.
The Indiana Pacers have completed their conversion to an uptempo offense with this roster overhaul. Some of the new faces came by way of the NBA Draft or trades but most were added via free agency. Namely free agents Monta Ellis, Jordan Hill, Glenn Robinson III, draftees Myles Turner and Joe Young, and the players received in trades, Chase Budinger and Rakeem Christmas. Though the roster shakeup has been massive following the departure of Roy Hibbert and David West to Los Angeles and San Antonio respectively, the moves have helped Indiana adjust to the “smaller and faster” lineup that Larry Bird wants for his Pacers this coming season.
To begin, let’s start with the Pacers’ most coveted target of free agency:
Monta Ellis
Last team: Dallas Mavericks
Strength: Offense/Scoring
Ellis comes to the Pacers on a four-year deal from the Dallas Mavericks and will be an instant addition to the offense – helping in all areas of scoring from his ball handling skills to his ability to attack the paint. He doesn’t come super cheap, but his 4-year $44 million deal is still a bargain for the Pacers as they look to attack in a different set up. Ellis turned down a better offer from the Sacramento Kings – a 4-year $48 million offer – to play for the Indiana Pacers.