"Let's start here:

As much as the Pacers want a power forward in free agency and plan to pursue one once the inevitable lockout ends, let's not dismiss Tyler Hansbrough.

In what was essentially his rookie season last year, Hansbrough began getting decent minutes in former coach Jim O'Brien's final month, then continued to improve with more minutes under still-interim-but-soon-to-be-head-coach Frank Vogel. In February, he averaged 16.8 points and seven rebounds in 30 minutes per game, including a stretch of 20 or more points in seven of 10 games.

So it's not like the Pacers are bereft of talent at power forward.

If you bring back Jeff Foster for a year or two and retain Josh McRoberts for the right price, you have a very energetic and competitive group.

That said, they should make an upgrade, and they have every plan to do so in free agency.

So here are the likeliest options:

David West of the New Orleans Hornets.

Nene of the Denver Nuggets.

Tyson Chandler of the Dallas Mavericks.

Here's how I like them in order of preference and possibility:

West. Of the three free agents, he is far and away the best offensive player. He can pick and pop. He can score in traffic. He can put the ball on the floor. He's tough and he's professional. Since becoming a starter in 2005-06, West has been a consistent 19-point, eight-rebound guy and a two-time All-Star. He would be the first low-post four-man presence the Pacers have had since Jermaine O'Neal had knees.

Downside? He's just an ordinary defender. He's not going to block shots. He's 30 years old and he's coming off serious knee surgery, although he has already started rehabilitation and he says he'll be ready for the start of the season. (On the flip side, the surgery may scare off other suitors, and will tamp down his value on the open market.)"