According to the Associated Press, the Indiana Pacers have now acquired Leandro Barbosa and Anthony Carter from the Toronto Raptors in exchange for a second-round draft pick.
As a Pacers fan, this is a good move for the team, as they can acquire the bench scoring they could definitely use and some great veteran leadership.
Barbosa won the Sixth Man award in 2007, when he averaged 18.1 points per game with the Suns. I look forward to seeing some improved scoring by the Pacers' bench this season, as Barbosa is a solid shooter. He is currently averaging over twelve points per game so far this year.
He will fit nicely with the second unit that includes George Hill, Tyler Hansbrough, Dahntay Jones, and Lou Amundson. Indiana may have enough guards already, but the Lance Stephenson project has turned out to be a failure. Jones always has an up-and-down game. We'll see what Barbosa can provide.
As for Carter, I don't see him providing much for Indiana, considering the fact that the Pacers have AJ Price and Hill also managing the point. I don't expect him to play a single minute, actually, and I see him being cut instead.
However, what is missing is a backup center. Amundson plays more of power forward than he does center, and Jeff Foster has been struggling with injuries this season. This trade puts Indy out of the Chris Kaman chase, however, New Orleans can still possibly cut him, which leaves the Pacers to sign him.
We'll see. Overall, this is a pretty good trade for Indiana as they were able to get a strong bench scorer without giving up anyone on the roster.
Josh has been writing since January 2009 and has founded the websites FootBasket, Hardcourt Mayhem, Gridiron Mayhem, and Staring Down Spike. For a full bio, check out JoshDhani.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoshDhani
