Just as we entered the summer, Indiana’s Chief of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard devoted himself to identifying the shortcomings of his team and finding the perfect suitor to balance out the roster. Every time he did the exercise, current NBA champion Bruce Brown met all the requirements.
The Pacers just introduced the former Nuggets player as they were looking for a solid defender who could improve on their 26th-ranked defense from last season. But for the most part, Indiana needed a winner.
“Throughout those discussions, Bruce’s name kept coming out on top, and he just kept coming out on top,” the front office chief said of Brown at yesterday’s introductory press conference at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. “He commented. It’s all about what we’re going for going forward and (we) feel it’s a perfect fit.”
Standing at six-foot-four, the winger was officially signed to the Pacers on Thursday afternoon.
We have signed attacking free agent Bruce Brown.
Welcome to Indiana, @tweet! pic.twitter.com/Ua8QAER704
– Indiana Pacers (Pacers) July 6, 2023
According to both the team and the player, it didn’t take long for both parties to agree to a deal. Not only was he the perfect guy for the job, but according to Brown, they were so excited about signing him that he seemed like an easy, obvious choice.
Another important signal was sent by the team’s superstar Tyrese Haliburton, who decided to contact Brown personally at the start of free agency to tell him how he would be a “perfect fit” for his team.
“The Pacers were so high for me and I was their first choice,” Brown revealed. “So it was easy.”
Head coach Rick Carlisle had nothing but words of praise reserved for the newest addition to Indiana’s roster. “The thing I love about him — the number one thing as a team that needs to get better defensively — is that every night, we know we’re going to have a guy we can put on the best player on the perimeter,” he said. . “He will accept the challenge and he will love the challenge.
“Adding that competitive piece to what we’re doing now is so important. If we want to go from 35 wins to 45 or 50, we have to have an indomitable competitive spirit.”
Indiana star Tyrese Haliburton knows how powerful it can be to add a hero to your roster
Halliburton sees bringing in a seasoned veteran like Bruce as a huge step toward title contention, not only because of his talents as a basketball player, but mostly because of his winning mentality.
Take a look at Brown’s best highlights from his championship campaign for the Nuggets this year:
“I’m already asking a lot of questions about the process of getting there, the actual Finals games themselves, the celebration afterwards — all things,” Halliburton admitted. “I want to know. Anytime you add a hero, that’s a good thing.”
Although his contribution is mostly expected to be on the defensive side of the floor, if done properly, Brown should allow Halliburton to devote himself to his offensive responsibilities. However, just like any other modern player, he is expected to continue to produce his quick edge attacks and maintain his three-point threat performances.