Since the very first game of the NBA season, the Indiana Pacers haven't been able to catch a break. The team has been riddled with injuries all season long, and James Wiseman tore his Achilles tendon in the opening game. Fellow center Isaiah Jackson would join him with the exact same injury not even a month later.
Both have been ruled out for the season, and the Pacers have spiraled with a lack of depth behind Myles Turner. The NBA has granted the Pacers two disabled player exceptions for Jackson and Wiseman, and Indiana has a few options.
The Pacers should consider two roster moves after receiving disabled player exceptions. Indiana very clearly needs some center depth, and free agents Robin Lopez and Bismack Biyambo could provide some relief, although a realistic scenario would be signing only one.
JaVale McGee would also be a good fit, and Indiana has long been linked to him, but his finding his way back to the Los Angeles Lakers seems to be viable, as well.
Lopez, 36, and Biyambo, 32, both last played in 2023-24. Biyambo is a solid defender who can grab his fair share of rebounds, so his skillset would fit in better with the Pacers' defense, which leaves a lot to be desired.
Lopez has averaged 8.4 points and 4.7 rebounds over his 16-season career. Biyambo played for the Memphis Grizzlies last season before injuries ravaged their season. He was later signed by the Oklahoma City Thunder, so clearly some around the league believe he can impact winning.
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For the Pacers to right the ship, they will need to make some roster moves before they can continue to spiral, as it becomes abundantly clear that their current lineups are simply not good enough.
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This story was originally published December 8, 2024, 3:39 PM.