It is reported that the Indiana Pacers are actively discussing a potential deal that will land them Jamal Crawford of the Portland Trailblazers.
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Pacers ready to move on to the next level
They have achieved goodness, which is a substantial improvement over the past four seasons.
But the Indiana Pacers strive for greatness, which leads to two pressing issues as the NBA trade deadline looms Thursday:
Is there enough room for growth within the current roster to reach the desired level?
If not, is now the right time to make a move?
This streaky bunch may be back on the upswing after a solid 111-94 shredding of Philadelphia Wednesday at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. It was the second win in a row for the Pacers (25-16), who have had losing streaks of four and five and a winning streak of six in the last 17 games.
The victory helped ease doubts about the team's ability to compete with quality opposition. The Pacers had dropped their previous eight games against teams with winning records, including four straight last week.
Coach Frank Vogel is trying to keep the potential for roster change in the back of his mind. He believes the team as currently constructed is talented enough to contend.
"(The trade deadline is) really kind of an afterthought to me," Vogel said. "I'm happy with the team we have. I don't know if we're going to make any trades or not. That's something for our front office to deal with. I'm just happy with who we have and I'm focused on coaching these guys.
"I don't think there's a ceiling. I don't think we've scratched the surface of what we can accomplish. Obviously, there's always ways to improve and if there's a deal out there that makes sense for us then I'm all for it but I feel good that this group, as constructed, can compete with the best in the league."
Various media reports have linked the Pacers with two players: center Chris Kaman of New Orleans and shooting guard Jamal Crawford of Portland.
Crawford spurned their offer prior to the season to sign a two-year, $10 million deal with Portland that has a player option for 2012-13, but with the Blazers struggling, his name has again surfaced in trade rumors. Though another explosive scorer off the bench certainly would be welcome, the Pacers already have a strong backup shooting guard in George Hill.
The greater need would seem to be in the front court. Kaman is the Hornets' highest-paid player ($14 million) and is in the last year of his contract. Dealing with New Orleans can be difficult, as the Lakers learned when they thought they had made a deal for Chris Paul, but the Pacers appear interested. With Jeff Foster missing 29 of the first 40 games with lingering back problems — he'll be out at least another week — there is a need for a backup center.
Journeyman Lou Amundson has filled in capably, including a career-high 21-point performance in a 92-75 victory over Portland Tuesday, but at 6-foot-9 lacks the bulk to contend with true centers.
With $15 million in cap space and two open roster spots, the Pacers are in position to take on additional salary and bodies to make a deal work. That certainly would be the case in a deal for Kaman, although the Hornets' asking price may have climbed since he has returned to the starting lineup and been consistently productive.
"The great thing about the way we've got our organization and our front office set up is I've got a great deal of faith and confidence in Larry (Bird) and David Morway and whatever they feel they need, it's their team," Vogel said. "I'm just here to coach it."
The Indiana Pacers are still trying to obtain Chris Kaman of the New Orleans Hornets and Jamal Crawofrd of the Portland Trailblazers. One or both would definitely boost their competitiveness. A distant possibility is OJ Mayo of the Memphis Grizzlies on which the Pacers were unsuccessful in obtaining last season as the trade deadline elapsed. Much to the dismay of Larry Bird.Sacramento Kings
HERE WE STAY UNTIL THE COWBELLS COME HOME
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A good read on Paul George. Indiana's rising star and is a key to their resurgence as a playoff team.
Pacers G Paul George making name for himself with acrobatic dunks, shutdown defenseSacramento Kings
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The agent of soon to be unrestricted free agent Greg Oden told the associated press that his client would love to join the Indiana Pacers next year.Sacramento Kings
HERE WE STAY UNTIL THE COWBELLS COME HOME
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Indiana Pacers President Larry Bird had earlier refuted the news that he has made up his mind of parting ways with the franchise.
Larry Bird: No decision madeSacramento Kings
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Reggie Miller will be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2012. "Miller Time" is a lore in the Pacers' history and after years of being inducted, it is now Miller's time.
Sacramento Kings
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The Indiana Pacers are currently nurturing a third seeded spot in the eastern conference playoffs with a 39-22 record. A big improvement over last year's eight seed qualification. They will most likely pitted against the sixth seed Orlando Magic that has serious questions about Dwight Howard's health, let alone Howard's availability.
Sacramento Kings
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Indiana Pacers President Larry Bird will decide his future with the team during the offseason.
Bird to Consider Future During OffseasonSacramento Kings
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The Indiana Pacers have secured home court advantage in the first round and clinched the third seed in the east. Their expected opponents for the moment are the Orlando maic without Dwight Howard.Sacramento Kings
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From last year's eighth seed appearance, the Indiana Pacers are locked for third in the east. A huge improvement for the team. Larry Bird has done a great job in consolidating the team.Sacramento Kings
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The Indiana Pacers has a chance to close out the series against the Chicago Bulls for Game 5. That win would give the Pacers their first series win since 2005 when there were still anchored by Jermaine O'Neal, Reggie Miller and Ron Artest.Sacramento Kings
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With the Indiana Pacers trailing the Miami HEAT 3-2 and entering game 6 with a possible elimination, Danny Granger (ankle sprain) and David West (knee bruise) will play but will be hobbled.Sacramento Kings
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