Power Ranking Every NBA Team’s 3-Year Window | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats & Rumors

The Indiana Pacers already possess the two most important attributes of a title contender: a steady superstar the entire team can revolve around (Tyrese Haliburton) and a co-star who is more likely to be overqualified than underqualified as the No. 2 guy on a really good team.

Retaining and developing talent are the factors that determine what happens next.

Indiana has Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith and Obi Toppin locked up for the duration of this window, but faces tough decisions after next season. TJ McConnell and, more notably, Myles Turner are scheduled to hit free agency. Bennedict Mathurin is eligible for an extension.

This roster is going to change, probably in uncomfortable ways. Indiana isn’t going to pay everyone, especially with two max guys already on the books. The Pacers might be able to keep the status quo going for another year after this one, but keeping Turner could mean cutting salary elsewhere, probably Toppin.

Wrestling with payroll gymnastics is always difficult. For Indiana, it’s even more complicated. The Pacers are reaching this point before they’re a finished product. This core needs at least one more capable wing defender for the playoff crucible.

Maybe it’s Jarace Walker. But his role and fit are increasingly vague with Siakam and Toppin getting big minutes. Using him as a de facto 3 isn’t guaranteed to work for either side, though it seems doable defensively, even if Walker needs to be more disciplined.

Do the Pacers have the time, space, and stomach for developmental reps while operating on an immediate timeline? If not, are they willing to move Walker and/or Mathurin for a better fit? And can they do so while cramming everyone who returns into their salary structure?

Indiana’s organizational progress is undeniable, fresh off an Eastern Conference Finals appearance. But it now faces the task of going from good to great, an absurdly difficult leap that, as things stand, is not guaranteed.