The Indiana Pacers are now trying to determine what the next step is. According to ESPN and other NBA sources, Paul George is expected to miss the entire 2014 NBA season after suffering a gruesome leg injury during Team USA's scrimmage on Friday. There is no replacing George for the Pacers, instead they simply must get some stop-gap players on short contracts to help fill the void until George is healthy once again. The team will not go out and make any kind of marquee moves, but they could look to certain teams for help.
Last season, George and Stephenson led the Pacers in overall stats. In 2014, both players will be gone. That means the pressure is on George Hill, Roy Hibbert and David West to step up in their absence. The Pacers did not make many offseason moves. They brought in Rodney Stuckey, but after that there is a lot left to be desired. The Pacers will need to make a move, but how far into the future will they look?
Fansided.com suggests that the New York Knicks could really help the Pacers out. It is no secret that Hibbert has been shopped around in trades. With George out, his absolutely needed, but what if Larry Bird decides that to take on short-term contracts for the season and rebuild in 2015 when George is healthy. They could easily strike a deal for Amar'e Stoudemire who's contract is up at the end of the year while Iman Shumpert and JR Smith are involved too. They could also make a move for Eric Bledsoe in a sign-and-trade with Hibbert. The Phoenix Suns lost Channing Frye and could use the Pacers' big man. Bledsoe would pair very well with George next season.
The chances Indiana trades away Hibbert are slim to not happening at all. Every player is essential and while Hibbert might have put on a disappearing act in the 2014 postseason, he will be crucial to the upcoming year. A trade that could happen is for either Smith or Shumpert that can at least help with the offensive side of the ball. The Knicks are shopping both players, but have yet to find a satisfying deal. The Pacers will not give up a ton, but they might have something that excites Phil Jackson and company.
Landing Bledsoe might be the best move Indiana can make, but Bird will not want to sacrifice Hibbert for it. Hill is a suitable point guard, but Bledsoe is better. Indiana must decide if they intend to try and compete this season. The roster is still strong without George, but it likely will not beat out the Chicago Bulls or maybe even the Cleveland Cavaliers if a move is not made.
