Indiana Pacers: Jalen Smith
Prior to signing with the Indiana Pacers, Jalen Smith was linked to the Boston Celtics. Brad Stevens values adding shooting with size. The big man is six-foot-nine and shot 59% from the field overall which included 42% from distance. It is unlikely of a return to Indiana given how the fourth-year big man just averaged six minutes in the playoffs. Why not become the third big for the defending champs?
In a 22-game stint in the 2021-22 season with the Indiana Pacers, Smith averaged 13.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, and one block in under 25 minutes a game on 53% shooting overall, 37% from three, and 76% from the foul line. Al Horford is aging and cannot be expected to play every game. Kristaps Porzingis still has yet to shake the injury-prone tag and needs a dependable spot starter for when he inevitably misses time.