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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 22: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Indiana Pacers dribbles against P.J. Washington #25 of the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on February 22, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
The Indiana Pacers have built their team on the strength of trades and the draft. They rarely get marquee free agents, so that is how they have always had to build the roster. Kevin Pritchard has made a series of fantastic moves in the last few years.
Pritchard traded for Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, Aaron Nesmith, and Ivica Zubac. The other member of the starting five, Andrew Nembhard, was a second-round draft pick. The Pacers also traded for Obi Toppin, who is a key member of their bench.
All of this is due to the ability of the scouting department and the front office. It is one of the best units in the league. Now, they have lost one of the most respected members of that staff.
GettyIndiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle looks on. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
Indiana Pacers Lose Respected Scout to Indiana University
According to Zach Osterman of the IndyStar, the Hoosiers are hiring a long-time Pacers scout as their GM. Ryan Carr is now leaving the NBA to become the leader of the Hoosiers’ basketball roster. IU is also coming off a national championship in football.
Carr is someone whom the Pacers loved having as part of the organization. He is someone who has an eye for talent and knows the state of Indiana. That’s part of the reason why the university made a decision to pursue him to take over their basketball operations.
Carr also spent time at IU before moving into his role with the Pacers. From their perspective, this is a big loss. Carr was the guy who helped run the draft process in Indiana. Finding a replacement for him won’t be easy, especially with an all-time draft coming up.
Indiana is clearly trying to tank so they can keep their pick in the top four. If it falls in the 5-9 range, the pick will go to the Clippers as part of the Zubac trade. The good news for Indiana is that there is a pretty defined top four before there is a drop off, so Carr leaving won’t affect them too much if they have a top-four pick.
GettyIndiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton drives the ball. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
The Pacers Have to Keep a Strong Front Office
Without many free agents wanting to play in Indiana, the Pacers have to keep a strong front office and scouting department. Building through the draft and trades is the only way to make the team a contender. This year, they have the worst offense in the league.
That is because Haliburton has been out for the entire season. With that being the case, they haven’t been able to generate easy shots. That will change next season with Haliburton back in the lineup. Still, the Pacers need some help off the bench to make up for that next year.
Replacing Carr will be a priority for the organization in the final part of the season. Indiana needs to have a new guy ready to run the draft by the time it rolls around.