The Indiana Pacers, this offseason, are expected to make moves to solidify their status as a title contender. Myles Turner is the only major free agent who can leave, and the Pacers would be smart to re-sign him.
They have ample young talent to make a trade, although running things back with the same roster seems like a better strategy, especially after they marched to the Conference Finals for the second season in a row.
They do own their own draft pick and will select 23rd overall. Regardless of what happens with Turner, the Pacers could shore up their frontcourt, and a mock draft by The Athletic has Indiana select Joan Beringer, a French center currently playing in the Slovenian League for Cedevita Olimpija.
Beringer is one of the more raw prospects in the draft, but he is a strong defender, a constant lob threat, and can run the open court. In the Pacers' fast offense, he sounds like the ideal running mate for Tyrese Haliburton, although there are a lot of kinks to work out.
In 47 games split up in league play and the EuroCup, Beringer averaged 4.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks.
He is not a good free-throw shooter at all, and could be fouled on purpose in crunch time, although if he hits his ceiling, he could be one of the most exciting players in the league, especially on defense.
He's not without faults and might slip out of the first round. While he seems to be an elite defensive player, he is prone to fouling, can't space the floor that well, and needs to add weight. If the Pacers can keep Turner on the roster and develop Beringer for a season or two, it will almost certainly pay off.
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