With expansion rumors swirling around the NBA and the potential of bringing new teams in cities like Seattle and Las Vegas, the idea of an expansion draft is no longer hypothetical. It’s coming, and when it does, teams like the Indiana Pacers will be forced into some difficult decisions.
Historically, the NBA has allowed teams to protect 8 players while leaving the rest of their roster exposed. That may sound simnple for some, but for a team like Indiana, it’s anything but. The Pacers are in a unique position: a mix of a clear top-tier core, intriguing young talent, and a roster still trying to define itself after a turbulent season.
It gets even more complicated when you factor in a likely top-4 draft pick. That player instantly becomes one of the most valuable assets on the roster, meaning someone currently in the rotation gets pushed out of the protected group.
So who stays safe? And who gets squeezed out?
Let’s break down the 8 players the Pacers would likely protect in an expansion draft scenario.
1. Tyrese Haliburton
Tyrese is the face of the franchise. He is the engine behind everything Indiana wants to be. Haliburton’s elite playmaking, efficiency, and leadership make him completely untouchable. Even in a down season, his importance hasn’t changed.
2. Pascal Siakam
Siakam has been the steady force keeping the Pacers competitive on a nightly basis during this difficult season. He is a proven scorer and versatile forward and gives the Pacer’s a veteran presence and a reliable go-to option. Letting a player of his caliber go would never be an option.
3. Andrew Nembhard
Nembhard continues to prove he belongs as a long-term piece in the backcourt. He’s steady, smart, and capable of playing both on and off the ball. His fit next to Haliburton makes him too valuable to risk losing.
4. Aaron Nesmith
Every current NBA team would love to have a wing like Nesmith. His ability to space the floor and defend at a high level makes him one of the more quietly important players on the roster. Players with his skillset don’t stay available long.
5. Ivica Zubac
One of the more dependable centers in the NBA that provides size, rebounding, and interior defense. Zubac fills a role that the Pacers are not used to having, a stable presence in the paint.
6. Jarace Walker
Walker represents the future. His defensive upside, versatility, and long-term potential make him exactly the type of player expansion teams would target. That alone makes him a lock to be protected.
7. Obi Toppin
Toppin brings energy, athleticism, and efficient scoring, especially in transition. He fits Indiana’s preferred style of play making him a worthwhile investment moving forward.
8. Top-4 Pick
A top-4 pick is automatically one of the most valuable assets on the team. Whether it turns into a future star or a foundational piece, there’s no realistic scenario where the Pacers would leave that player exposed if they are able to land the draft pick.
Wrap Up
Expansion in the NBA feels closer than ever, and with it comes the reality of an expansion draft.
Yes, Indiana will have to leave a good player exposed. That’s unavoidable. But the fact that there’s even a debate about the 7th or 8th spot says a lot about the team’s depth. The core is secure, the future is bright, and even the players outside the protected list have real value.
That’s not a weakness, that’s progress.
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