Last in the East, Indiana Pacers actively searching for a center

Per Jake Fischer, the front office targets Atlanta’s Onyeka Okongwu, New Orleans’ Yves Missi, L.A.’s Ivica Zubac, and Dallas’ Daniel Gafford to address a defense allowing 114.9 points each game.

Okongwu, 25, is a strong candidate, averaging 16 points and 7.9 rebounds with floor-spacing ability. Conversely, 21-year-old Missi offers long-term developmental upside. Zubac would be an immediate starter, boasting 14.8 points and 10.7 rebounds, though his contract complicates matters. Meanwhile, Gafford brings elite efficiency and rim-running energy.

Currently heavily dependent on Pascal Siakam and Bennedict Mathurin, Indiana desperately lacks interior stability. Management seeks a physical presence to improve rim protection and rebounding, aiming to better support a struggling roster featuring young talents like Jarace Walker. Securing a reliable big man remains the absolute priority to fix their glaring defensive deficiencies.