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Indiana Pacers: Five Realistic 2016 Free Agent Targets

By Kyle Nishida

May 16, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers president of basketball operations Larry Bird speak to the press during a press conference at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
May 16, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers president of basketball operations Larry Bird speak to the press during a press conference at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Indiana Pacers
Apr 28, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Kent Bazemore (24) celebrates a victory against the Boston Celtics in game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /

Small Forward Kent Bazemore

With NBA teams needing more versatile players, a guy like Kent Bazemore becomes even more valuable around the league, especially with teams like the Indiana Pacers.

After DeMarre Carroll left the Atlanta Hawks last offseason, Bazemore seized the opportunity and started 68 of 75 games in the 2015-16 season. As a result, he averaged 11.6 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game.

Bazemore would give the Indiana Pacers another playmaker off the bench. He can create scoring opportunities for himself and others.

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Also, he is 6-3 with nearly a 6-9 wingspan. His length allows him to be a versatile defensive player. So if the Pacers want to play Paul George at power forward, the Pacers can comfortably play Bazemore at small forward.

The one thing about Bazemore is he can be a little erratic at times. He takes chances with the ball and as a result, he turns it over or takes a wild shot. The Pacers will have to balance his aggressive playing style with helping him make the right decisions with the ball.

As mentioned before, Bazemore’s skills and physical characteristics are needed on most NBA teams. As a result, he will be coveted by a lot of playoff-contending teams. The Pacers may have to offer an expensive contract if they want to have a shot at adding him to their roster.

Next: Pacers Rumors: Pursue Lee, Williams in Free Agency?

Overall, Bazemore allows the Pacers to have more flexible and play small against the teams like the Golden State Warriors. He would be a huge help for the Pacers off the bench or in situational starting roles, like in the playoffs.

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