Day 9 of our 12 Days of Centers series brings a special 2-for-1 — and it’s a dream scenario. We take a deep dive into Miami Heat bigs Bam Adebayo and Kel’el Ware, two very different centers who both feel unlikely based on contract and availability… but would completely change the Pacers ceiling if the door ever cracked open. Bam represents the ultimate plug-and-play veteran: elite defensive versatility, playmaking from the five, switchability, and a skill set that checks almost every box this roster needs. Ware, on the other hand, is the upside swing — a young, bouncy big who adds rim protection, vertical spacing, and a growing stretch element that fits perfectly with Indiana’s pace and offensive identity. Neither path is likely realistic — and that’s kind of the point. As we get deeper into the series, this episode is about exploring the ideal fits and understanding what the Pacers would look like if they swung for the fences.

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Brad and Ryan roll on with The 12 Days of Centers by examining Robert Williams III, one of the most impactful defensive centers in the league when healthy. “Time Lord” brings elite rim protection, explosive vertical spacing, and a proven ability to anchor a top-tier defense at the highest level. The guys break down Williams’ fit next to Tyrese Haliburton, highlighting his lob gravity, help-side instincts, and playoff-tested defensive presence. They also dive into the elephant in the room—durability. With a lengthy injury history, the conversation centers on risk vs. reward, contract value, and whether Indiana could manage his minutes while maximizing his elite skill set. Is Robert Williams III a ceiling-raising defensive swing worth betting on—or too volatile to build around long term? Day 8 breaks it all down.

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Brad and Ryan continue The 12 Days of Centers with a deep dive on Nic Claxton, one of the most intriguing defensive bigs on the market. Claxton brings elite switchability, rim protection, and mobility—traits that fit seamlessly next to Tyrese Haliburton in an up-tempo system. The guys break down Claxton’s evolution in Brooklyn, his ability to guard in space while still protecting the rim, and why his vertical spacing and defensive versatility could unlock another level for the Pacers. They also discuss the concerns: limited offensive creation, durability questions, and what the realistic trade price might look like. Is Claxton the modern defensive anchor Indiana has been missing—or is the cost too steep for a non-scoring center? All that and more in Day 7.

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