Is this something worth bragging about?
After the draft, the transfer market officially opened.
The Indiana Pacers took the lead by sending Jalen Rose and the 2003 first-round draft pick to the Atlanta Hawks, reaching a sign-and-trade agreement with Paul Pierce.
This move will bring the Pacers to their first peak of the 21st century.
Because in the original timeline, the Pacers with Reggie Miller + Little O'Neal + Artest were a title-contending team, and it was widely believed that if not for the Palace of Auburn Hills brawl, Reggie Miller was very likely to retire with a ring.
Pierce's defense is not as good as Artest's, but his offense is far superior. Overall, the Indiana Pacers still have championship potential.
The Atlanta fans were already mentally prepared for this, while the Hawks' shareholders were heartbroken.
Of course, the most painful blow had yet to come.
