NBA Draft 2020: Biggest needs for each Eastern Conference franchise

Picks: 54

Needs: Wing, Cap Flexibility 

Indiana enters this offseason with its future in total flux and without a sense of direction.

With Head Coach Nate McMillan fired, star guard Victor Oladipo reportedly requesting a trade, a lack of draft capital, and big contracts on their books the Pacers may be heading towards a rebuild after back-to-back first-round exits.

With major money committed to T.J. Warren, Malcolm Brogdon, Myles Turner, and Domantas Sabonis for the next 3-4 seasons, a full-scale rebuild isn’t in the cards for Indiana. Still, a trade of star man Oladipo could be a start especially with him free agency eligible after 2020-21.

A trade could net key assets this season, with teams such as the Nets, Knicks, Heat, and Hornets reportedly rumored, President Kevin Pritchard could effectively retool his roster and add young talent in this year’s draft.

Outside of a trade, the Pacers know real reinforcements aren’t coming by way of the 54th pick. Needing help on the wing, they should take a shot on a player like Utah State’s Sam Merrill, Syracuse’s Elijah Hughes, or on a college scorer like Marquette’s Markus Howard if still available.