Indiana Pacers– Season Review

 

 

2023 – 24 Season Record: 45-37

The 2023-24 season for the Indiana Pacers was a rollercoaster ride under the guidance of first-time GM Yeet. It was a year filled with promise, adversity, and ultimately, growth.

The season started on a high note when Yeet, in his inaugural draft, secured the #1 pick and selected the generational talent, Victor Wembanyama, marking a major milestone for the franchise. The buzz around the team was electric, and fans could only dream of what the future held with the towering star on the roster.

However, the path wasn’t always smooth. An unexpected twist took place during free agency, where things took a dramatic turn. Suffice to say, a series of unfortunate events led to Yeet missing a critical window for building out his roster. Among the losses was D'Angelo Russell, who went elsewhere, leaving the Pacers with a gap to fill.

But Yeet’s resilience was on full display. Rather than dwelling on the missed opportunities, he quickly pivoted, utilizing his sharp trading acumen to reload the roster. Through savvy moves and a keen eye for potential, Yeet proved that a setback in free agency wouldn't define the Pacers' season.

 

 

Season Highlight: The Wembanyama Era Begins

The defining moment of the Pacers' 2023-24 season came early, and it was in the form of the #1 overall pick in the draft: Victor Wembanyama. The selection immediately set the tone for the franchise's future, and the rookie did not disappoint.

Wembanyama’s debut season was nothing short of spectacular. The towering phenom quickly established himself as one of the league's most dominant forces, posting an impressive 26 points, 14 rebounds, 5 blocks, and 3 assists per game. His presence on both ends of the floor was transformative, as he altered the course of games with his shot-blocking prowess, while also proving to be a relentless scorer and rebounder.

Wembanyama's versatility was on full display, showcasing his ability to stretch the floor, protect the rim, and play in a variety of roles depending on what the game demanded. His rapid development has made him not just the face of the Pacers, but a player who could lead them to success for years to come.

In a season marked by ups and downs, Wembanyama's performance was a constant bright spot, reminding the Pacers that the future is not just promising, it's already here.

 

Trades:

In his inaugural season as the Pacers' GM, Yeet wasted no time making his presence felt, completing an impressive 25 trades. From acquiring high-profile stars to swapping role players and draft picks, his aggressive approach reshaped the team's roster entirely. While it’s impossible to break down every single move, I’ll highlight his best deal—the one that could define his tenure—and his worst deal, which may raise eyebrows among fans and analysts alike.

 

 

Best Trade:

Jordan Poole + Furkan Korkmaz for Jrue Holiday

Yeet’s best trade during his whirlwind inaugural season came when he sent Jordan Poole and Furkan Korkmaz to acquire Jrue Holiday. The deal was a masterstroke, as Holiday brought elite defense, veteran leadership, and playmaking to the Pacers. Offloading Poole’s hefty contract and inconsistent production while adding a proven star made this trade a clear win. Korkmaz, though serviceable, was more of a salary filler in the deal.

The irony, however, lies in the short-lived tenure of Holiday with the Pacers. He played just 8 games before Yeet flipped him in another blockbuster deal for James Harden, who himself only suited up for 28 games before being traded for Pascal Siakam. Siakam then became the Robin to Victor Wembanyama’s Batman, forming a dynamic duo for the remainder of the season. However, even Siakam didn’t stay long, as he was ultimately dealt in the offseason for Mikal Bridges, completing a chaotic sequence of trades that highlighted Yeet’s aggressive and ever-evolving roster strategy.

 

Worst Trade:

Devonte Graham + 2026 2nd (IND) + 2028 1st (NO) for Monte Morris + 2028 2nd (DET)

On the flip side, Yeet’s worst trade came when he sent Devonte' Graham, a 2026 second-round pick, and a 2028 first-round pick to acquire Monte Morris and a 2028 second-round pick. While Morris is a steady point guard known for his low turnover rate and solid playmaking, the price paid to bring him in was steep. The inclusion of the 2028 second-round pick softened the blow slightly, but sacrificing a first-round pick for a player with limited upside and only marginally better production than Graham raised plenty of eyebrows.

The trade became even more of a misstep when Morris was limited to just 11 games due to injury and never even suited up for the Pacers. This further compounded the disappointment, as the Pacers never got to see the return on their investment. In hindsight, this deal stands out as an overpay, especially considering the Pacers’ aggressive trading strategy left them needing draft capital to replenish their roster. This move didn’t significantly impact the team’s success, making it a puzzling decision in an otherwise bold and calculated season for Yeet.

 

Star of the team – Victor Wembanyama

At the heart of Yeet's Pacers' rebuild is Victor Wembanyama, the clear star and cornerstone of the franchise. As one of the most hyped prospects in NBA history, Wemby has lived up to the immense expectations, showcasing a rare combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ that makes him a game-changer on both ends of the floor. His shot-blocking ability, versatile scoring, and elite rebounding have quickly made him the focal point of the Pacers’ offense and defense alike. With his potential seemingly limitless, Wembanyama is not only the future of the team but also the player who will anchor the Pacers for years to come, with Yeet building the roster around him to maximize his talent.

 

2024 NSL Draft:

With the 2nd overall pick in the draft, Yeet selected Zaccharie Risacher, a fellow French prospect, solidifying his commitment to building a team with international flair. Risacher, known for his athleticism, length, and developing skill set, brings a versatile blend of defense and scoring potential. He’s not quite on the same level as Wembanyama, but he has the tools to be a significant contributor at both ends of the floor.

Given Yeet’s success in selecting Wembanyama the previous year, this pick seemed to be another home run in terms of adding a high-upside talent to complement their star. Risacher’s versatility could make him a strong fit alongside Wemby as they develop chemistry in the years to come. However, considering the deep pool of talent in this draft, it's a bit of a risk, as some other players may have more immediate impact potential.

Draft Grade: B+

It’s a solid pick, with high potential, but carries a little risk given Risacher’s rawness and the unproven nature of many international prospects. Yeet’s focus on continuing to build an exciting, young core around Wembanyama makes this selection understandable, even if there were safer, more polished options available.

 

The Future:

The Indiana Pacers are poised for a promising future, anchored by Victor Wembanyama, the franchise's cornerstone. Alongside him, the team features strong contributors like Mikal Bridges, Norman Powell, and Terry Rozier, who provide veteran leadership and scoring. Young talents such as Scoot Henderson and Zaccharie Risacher add exciting potential, with Henderson's playmaking and Risacher's athleticism complementing Wembanyama’s skill set.

However, Yeet's draft capital is somewhat limited, with only a 2026 first-round pick (top-5 protected) and a 2028 first-round pick in their arsenal. This lack of premium draft assets could restrict the team’s ability to add high-impact talent in the future or to make flexible moves via trade. Despite this, Yeet has earned praise for his aggressiveness in reshaping the roster. His bold trades, including acquiring established players and making calculated risks, reflect his commitment to building a competitive team.

While the limited draft capital is a slight knock on his strategy, the combination of veteran presence, promising youth, and his proactive approach to roster construction gives the Pacers a solid foundation for growth. The team is well-positioned to contend in the coming seasons, with the flexibility to adjust and improve as they continue to develop their young core.