The Indiana Pacers don’t have any misconceptions about their chances of competing for a playoff spot. Still, the Pacers are reportedly looking to upgrade their frontcourt for next year, when star point guard Tyrese Haliburton is expected to return from his Achilles injury.
Pacers Reportedly Interested In Former First-Rounder
Indiana has struggled all season as the Pacers dealt with several injuries. The Pacers own the worst record in the league at 9-32 despite winning three of their last four contests. The Pacers have been outscored by 7.7 points a game, which is the third-worst margin in the league. They have lost over 160 player games to injuries, with seven players suffering major injuries. Isaiah Jackson, Benedict Mathurin, and Obi Toppin are currently joining Haliburton on the sidelines. As a result, the Pacers have lacked continuity, with 24 players and 23 different starting lineups.
While injuries have played a major role in the Pacers’ struggles, they also have other issues. The Pacers are the worst offensive team in the league, shooting a league-low 44.2% from the field and ranking 25th in 3-point percentage (34.3%). They are 28th in scoring at 110.6, which is 6.8 points fewer than a year ago. Their assists are also down, and turnovers are up slightly.
There have been positives. Andrew Nembhart has demonstrated that he can be a solid No. 3 option after spending most of the first three seasons as a role player. Jarace Walker has stepped up his production, though the 22-year-old has been better as a starter. Like Walker, Aaron Nesmith is having a career season, though both have been inefficient as they have taken more of a role on that end. And Jay Huff has given the Pacers some rim protection.
On the contrary, Pascal Siakam has played well and increased his scoring production, though he has not really embraced the role of an alpha. Benedict Mathurin has dealt with injuries and hasn’t taken the expected step in his growth, though he is averaging a career-high 17.5 points and makes 2.2 threes at a 36.4% clip. Ben Sheppard has taken a step back in his efficiency.
Pacers Need To Improve At The Five
So, while Haliburton’s return will help, Indiana’s brass has many decisions to make between now and next season. The Pacers’ biggest weaknesses, by position, have been on the wings and at center. However, the five position is the most glaring problem, as the Pacers did nothing besides sign Huff this offseason after losing Myles Turner to Milwaukee.
Huff is one of the top-shot-blockers in the league, swatting away a league-best 9.5% of shots, and has given the Pacers a floor spacer at the position. While he has been much better since moving to the first unit, he only plays 22 minutes a game and doesn’t rebound. Jackson is the Pacers’ most physical low-post defender and best rebounder. But the 23-year-old is not much of an offensive threat and hasn’t stayed healthy.
Overall, the Pacers’ centers rank in the bottom third among their position. The Pacers’ five men contribute 19.7 points on 50.7% shooting from the field and 11.2 rebounds, though their 2.2 blocks rank among the best in the league.
According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, Indiana has contacted New Orleans about Yves Missi. Missi is a rugged and athletic defensive-oriented center who earned second-team all-rookie honors. However, the 21-year-old Belgian native has seen his role reduced in year two.
What Would Yves Missi Bring To The Pacers?
Missi has been productive in the time he has been on the court. On a per-minute basis, Missi’s numbers are similar to a year ago, but he is seeing nearly six minutes less than last season. He averages 5.5 points (2.9 offensive), 5.5 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 18 minutes over 35 appearances. He has produced two double-doubles, four double-figure games, and three contests of 10 or more rebounds.
While limited offensively, Missi is a classic rim-running, shot‑blocking center with elite tools and high motor. Missi excels in pick-n-rolls and is a solid finisher around the rim. However, it is his offensive rebounding and shot-blocking where he really stands out.
Here is the thing: Indiana has positioned itself to keep continuity since last season. Besides Turner, Mathurin, an upcoming restricted free agent this summer, is the only other major contributor who, at this point, may not return next year. Tony Bradley is the Pacers’ lone upcoming free agent.
Missi would not fix the Pacers’ issues at center, but his addition would undoubtedly be an upgrade. If Missi did find his way to Indiana, he and Huff project to share the minutes at the center. Jackson would be the Pacers’ third center, allowing Toppin to play exclusively at the four.
Other Centers That The Pacers Have Inquired About and Final Word
Missi isn’t the only center that Indiana has inquired about. NBA Insider Jake Fischer reported that the Pacers have made phone calls about the availability of Onyeka Okongwu, Daniel Gafford, and Ivica Zubac.
” I was told this week, for example, that Indiana has called Atlanta on Onyeka Okongwu in addition to its previously reported interest in players such as Dallas’ Daniel Gafford and the (perceived as much harder-to-get) Ivica Zubac of the LA Clippers,” Fischer said.
While those three would undoubtedly be better options for the Pacers, they would also cost more in a trade than Missi. Zubac and Okongwu figure to be the dream acquisition, though it is unlikely the Hawks would make Okongwu available except in a blockbuster deal for a “star” five-man.
Indiana doens’t have to make a move before the trade deadline. It’s likely in the Pacers’ best interest not to make a deal until after the NBA lottery show, since they own their own pick. Besides this year’s selection, the Pacers control all their future first-round picks. Mathurin, Toppin, and TJ McConnell or Nembhard are the Pacers’ best trade chips. Toppin is probably the most likely player, besides Mathurin, to be available in a trade.
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