The NBA offseason is a chance for contending teams to add some more pieces to the puzzle and for rebuilding teams to let veterans walk or look for the young players on the market. Every offseason their will be teams that will improve and teams that will lose some players. The teams that were middle of the pack will look to make a splash to get them over the hump the next season. I will be breaking down a couple teams who have improved through the NBA draft and also through free agency this offseason.
NBA Improving Teams: Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers were expected to have a down year last season after trading away star player Paul George during the off-season. The Pacers received Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis in the trade. Victor took off last season and the Pacers didn’t miss a beat last season. Oladipo won most improved player in the league last season with his incredible numbers. Victor averaged 23 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists per game while playing 34 minutes and shooting 48% from the field. The Pacers needed to add some pieces this summer if they wanted to make a deep run in the Eastern Conference.
Tyreke Evans
The Pacers signed Evans to a one year deal most likely making him their starting small forward. Evans had a nice season last year with Memphis after a couple disappointing years. Evans is a point forward who can defend at a high level and score with the best of them. Tyreke averaged 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists per game last season in Memphis. Tyreke Evans will come in and make an immediate impact with Indiana next season and will make a dynamic duo with Victor Oladipo.
Doug McDermott
Doug McDermott is one of the top shooters in the league. Doug will be a role player on Indiana but should make a big impact with his shooting ability and his ability to stretch the floor. McDermott had a nice season with the Knicks last year before being traded to the Dallas Mavericks. Doug will provide much needed shooting and scoring ability to Indiana along with Bojan Bogdanovic who had a nice season with Indiana the previous season.
Kyle O’Quinn
The Indiana Pacers just signed Kyle O’Quinn to a one year deal which could be a nice addition. Kyle will be the backup center to Myles Turner but should get good minutes. O’Quinn is a grinder on the court with his energy and hustle. Kyle will provide toughness and energy along with his ability to score on offense and be a contributor on defense.
Aaron Holiday
The Pacers drafted Aaron Holiday out of UCLA. Holiday is the younger brother of Jrue Holiday and Justin Holiday who both play in the NBA. Aaron was a dynamic point guard at UCLA whether he started or came off the bench. Holiday is a pefect NBA point guard with his scoring ability, ability to find teammates, and his defense. Aaron could compete for the starting spot with Darren Collison in training camp. Holiday has a very high basketball IQ and feel for the game. Aaron should come in and be a contributor from day one due to his basketball influences.
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