Alex Golden and Michael Facci are BACK after both guys enjoyed a little vacation time, and there is plenty of Pacers news to catch up on!
The guys start with Braden Smith officially signing a two-way deal with the Indiana Pacers. After months of wondering what Indiana's plan was for the Purdue point guard, we finally have our answer.
Alex and Facci discuss why the Pacers ultimately went this direction with Smith and push back against some of the criticism surrounding Indiana's decision to trade for him in the second round of the NBA Draft. What does Smith need to show this season, and why does a two-way deal make sense for where he is at in his development?
The move comes after Friday's news that Ethan Thompson is heading overseas, opening the door for Indiana to use its final two-way spot on Smith.
Then, the conversation shifts to the Pacers' decision to keep the 15th spot on the standard roster open. Alex and Facci explain why maintaining that flexibility could be important and how Indiana could take advantage of the opening later in the season.
That leads to a fun look at some recognizable names who could eventually make sense for the Pacers. Would Ben Simmons be worth taking a chance on? Could a reunion with Victor Oladipo make any sense? What about bringing Bruce Brown back to Indiana?
Braden Smith is officially a Pacer, Indiana still has some roster flexibility, and Alex and Facci have plenty to discuss as Setting The Pace returns!
