Setting The Pace: A Pacers Podcast Blue Wire

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On today's show, Alex and Facci dive into the year that was for Obi Toppin and what made his season a success. It was an up and down year with a lot of role changes, but Toppin adapted and had a career year. He is also a restricted free agent this summer and the Pacers have two important questions to ask: is Obi Toppin the long term answer at the backup power forward spot, if yes, then how much is he worth? Alex and Facci dive into it all on today's episode of SETTING THE PACE!
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On today's show, Alex and Facci go back and forth sharing their Top 5 free agents they think make sense for the Pacers to pursue this offseason. The guys explain the reason for their selections and go back and forth discussing the pros and cons to bringing said player on the crowded roster.
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Alex Golden is joined by Locked on Pacers hots, Tony East, to discuss:
-What young player needs to develop the most in order for the Pacers to raise their ceiling
-What are realistic expectations for this Pacers team next season and moving forward...ECF or fail?
-Contract discussions on Turner and Nembhard, and what makes them interesting.
-A long discussion about Tyrese's recovery from injury: concerns, expectations for next season, etc
-Is Myles' center type the kind that can take Indy deep into the playoffs consistently?
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Alex Golden and Mike Facci end the Mailbag series with these 6+ questions! Thanks everyone for sending them in...if you would like your questions read on air for the next mailbag, send them into @AlexGoldenNBA on Twitter. It is the BEST and ONLY place to submit them and 100% guarantee that they will be read on the podcast!

1). Matthew Peck — To keep forward momentum of the team going what 3 area's do you want to see the team address and in what order do you place them in importance?

2). Mann Marsden — Ok man I love Myles but do you feel it's time we get a rebounder and lob threat over the pic and pop type center he just doesn't have it he can shoot but that's it? Also, if we can get a bigger wing defender who do we give up for them?

3). Bucket — Assuming pascal gets the max, how much room under the cap do we have to sign obi? Assuming we keep all other rotation players, and Jalen smith walks

4). Peetie Peete — I see folks on twitter warming up to the idea of a sign and trade for PG. Given that will probably never happen, the one interesting FA I do see on the market is Malik Monk. Is there someone on the roster you would be willing to trade for Monk that could actually get it done?

5). Josh Lovell — Is it a good idea to give Nembhard an extension starting in year 4? Pro- locks him in at a reasonable price, for multiple years; Con- probably puts us in the luxury tax from 25/26 (assuming a Pascal max contract), instead of just paying Drew his team option of 2 million in 25/26

6). Cole Eckert — What are your thoughts on the Jarace/Jax/Jalen Smith/ Obi Toppin conundrums. I think we'll keep 3 (Jarace, Obi, and IJax) and play 2 (Jarace and Obi).
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Alex Golden and Mike Facci are BACK for MORE Mailbag questions from the BEST fans in the world!

1). Jake Exline — If we run it back and have a healthy Mathurin and production out of Walker, do you think this is a championship contender? If not, what marginal move do you think we can make to get us there?

2). Rooster — Of our young players on rookie deals (Nembhard, Mathurin, Sheppard, Jarace, IJax) rank them in order of most likely to be extended to least. Also, how many players do you think we draft this year? Personally l'd like to see them try to trade 3 seconds to get a little higher.

3). Casey Johnson — To what extent do you feel the Pacers proved this year that playing fast in the playoffs is a winnable strategy? Do you think we will see other teams not worry about the rule of the playoffs slowing down?

4). Gentry Hudson — How do you feel the addition of a Fazoli's to Gainbridge Fieldhouse would enhance fan engagement?

5). Chase Sasin — Do you think tyrese, nembhard, and mathurin can be a good starting 1-3 for the future if mathurin came become a better defender?

6). Adam — Even though Nembhard is under contract, would you give him an extension if he is eligible this offseason? Also do you think Toppin made his case during this postseason that he should be brought back as well?
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Alex Golden and Mike Facci take your mailbag questions and answer them on the podcast. Lots of great topics (as per usual) and fun things to discuss as the offseason is closer than it appears!

1). Aaron M — Is there a consolidation trade target that would actually be worth it (with Mathurin, Jarace, iJax, Nesmith being likely outgoing candidates)?

2). Randall Wood — Would you re-sign Toppin and play Walker at the 3 or use the cap space to sign a solidified 3 like Hayward and play Walker at the 4?

3). Pacer Faithful — The 2 biggest areas for improvement this team showed in the playoffs in my opinion were toughness and defense. Can we improve those things through internal development or do we need to make a trade? Also. Do you guys think Tyrese should play for team USA given his injury?

4). David Matillo — Is Aaron Nesmith a starter at the beginning of next season?

5). Ricky Kelley — Do you think we will get a new set of jerseys? If so what would you want for a redesign?

6). J Bax — What can Tyrese improve on to elevate this teams floor? Also, Concerning next year's roster, and considering who we have right now; who's redundant?
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