PODCAST: On Summer League and the Pacers' pursuit of Deandre Ayton
From games in Las Vegas to waiving four players to offer restricted free agent Deandre Ayton, the Pacers have been part of the national conversation.
On this episode of the Fieldhouse Files, I’m back from NBA Summer League and will go through my experience out in Las Vegas and how the Pacers did. Then discuss the Pacers doing something they’ve never done before. That’s offering restricted free agent Deandre Ayton of the Phoenix Suns. And while they eventually lost out on him, I think they’ve made progress from where they were one year ago.
Among the items discussed on this episode:
Why summer league is my favorite NBA event.
Chris Duarte played in one game and is still bothered by a toe injury. (5:15)
Ronald Nored running the Summer Pacers. (7:30)
Takeaways from the games. (9:00)
NBA awarding championship rings now for SL. (15:00)
Aaron Nesmith joining the team — and why the delay. (18:45)
The pursuit of Deandre Ayton. (24:00)
Waiving four players prior to the offer sheet. (34:30)
🎙 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Always appreciate your insight Scott!! I'm curious and I'm surprised no one has mentioned this from what I've seen and heard. How was Roy Hibbert's contract structured when Portland signed him to an offer sheet in 2012. Also wasn't our own Chad Buchanan in the blazers FO at that time?
I also think this was a signal to the fans that "We will try to get the best talent in Indy, even if we have to pay", but I just don't like how clean the offer sheet was, as you mentioned thats Herb's preference. Which was why I was curious on Roy's deal back in the day and he is the only pacer that comes to mind that had been in that position.