Pacers 5 for 1 and 1 were a big success! The champion forward became the MVP of the Eastern Conference Finals, and it was worth it to lead the team to the finals

The battle between the Pacers and the Knicks in the 24-25 season of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals attracted the attention of countless fans. The sixth game of the series was played. The Pacers were full of momentum at home, and after the opening, both sides quickly entered the state. Pacers' forward Siakam was fully fired, and the inside and outside shot led the team to a climax; although the Knicks fought back, the Pacers defeated the Knicks 125-108 with their outstanding performance, and eliminated their opponents 4-2 in total, and entered the finals again after 25 years; forward Siakam won the Larry Bird Cup, the MVP of the Eastern Conference Finals.

It all starts with the league-shaking deal in January last year, when the Pacers, Raptors and Pelicans reached a three-party deal, and the Pacers sent Bruce Brown, Jordan Nvora and three first-round draft picks (including the Pacers' 2024 first-round pick, Thunder/Jazz/Rocks/Clippers' 2024 first-round pick, the Pacers' first-round pick protected by the first 4 pick in 2026) to the Raptors, thus getting Siakam. As a third party, the Pelicans sent Keira Lewis Jr. to the Raptors and obtained a second-round draft pick from the Pacers.

The 5-for-1 transaction is undoubtedly a key move to change the fate of the Pacers.

In my opinion, the Pacers' 5-for-1 transaction is simply too cost-effective, and the transaction to Kam in Xiji brings qualitative improvement to the team. Although the team had a core like Halliburton before, they were slightly lacking in the forward position, and Siakam was able to attack and defend well in all skills. On the offensive end, he can play hard at low posts, pull up to three-pointers from outside, and has excellent breakthrough ability. In the Eastern Conference Finals, he averaged 24.8 points, 5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.3 steals, 0.7 blocks per game, with a shooting percentage of 52.4%, and a three-point shooting percentage of 50%. This offensive efficiency is too terrifying. With him here, the team's offensive methods have become much richer, and Halliburton can also get more support and no longer fight alone.

defensive end, Siakam is also very powerful. He has excellent physical fitness, long wingspan, fast steps and moves, and can defend multiple positions. In the series against the Knicks, he successfully restricted the performance of the opponent's core players many times, averaging 1.3 steals and 0.7 blocks per game. With his defensive barrier, the Pacers' overall defensive intensity has been improved by several levels, and the forward defense is no longer a weak ring.

From external factors, this deal has enhanced the team's popularity and attractiveness. Siakam is a champion striker and has experience in the finals. His arrival has greatly increased the Pacers' attention in the league. Many fans have begun to pay attention to the Pacers' games because of him, which is of great help to improve the team's commercial value. Moreover, his championship experience can also infect young players on the team and allow them to grow faster.

When the transaction was traded, many people also questioned whether it was too expensive for the Pacers to send out Bruce Brown, Walla and three first-round picks. Now it seems that it's so worth it. Although Bruce Brown and Walla are also capable, they are still far behind Siakam. Compared with the team's three first-round picks, which are no big deal after 25 years.

Pacers' management's operations are a masterpiece. They took the opportunity to take decisive action and got players who changed the fate of the team. In the next finals, Siakam, the MVP of the Eastern Conference Finals, I think the Thunder will not get much advantage. The Pacers may bring you greater surprises, so let's wait and see.