Pacers Face Ongoing Worries About Frontcourt Depth

October 9, 2026 - 00:32

The Indiana Pacers head into the upcoming season with a roster that looks dangerous on the perimeter, but questions linger about what happens near the basket. According to analysis from ESPN, the team's interior depth remains a concern that could hold the roster back in a crowded Eastern Conference.

Indiana has built an identity around speed, spacing, and guard play. That approach works when the starters are healthy and the pace stays high. The problem is what happens when foul trouble or injuries hit the big men. Behind the primary options, the drop-off in size, rebounding, and rim protection becomes noticeable. Opponents with physical frontcourts can exploit that gap, especially in playoff style games where possessions slow down and every rebound matters.

The Pacers have tried to address other needs this offseason, but the middle of the floor still looks thin. A single injury could force the coaching staff to use smaller lineups for long stretches, which puts more pressure on the guards to help on the glass. That is not a recipe for consistent success over an 82 game season.

For now, the concern is real. Indiana can outscore plenty of teams, but until the frontcourt proves it can hold up, the doubt will follow this roster.