NBA Rumors: Chris Kaman Would Be an Excellent Addition for Indiana Pacers

With the New Orleans Hornets putting Chris Kaman on the trade block, there's been a lot of interest throughout the league for the veteran center.

The Indiana Pacers have recently been tabbed as a frontrunner, and with Kaman backing up center Roy Hibbert, it would make them a deeper team capable of doing damage in the playoffs.

Wrote Jimmy Smith of the Times-Picayune on Thursday:

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A league source said Wednesday night that the Indiana Pacers, one of several other teams reportedly in the mix for Kaman, could, in fact, be the leading candidate for a swap.The Pacers apparently are looking for a backup to Roy Hibbert.

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The Pacers are one of the true up-and-coming teams in the NBA. Some say they've already arrived. They've gone 15-6 and are ranked second and seventh in rebounds per game and points allowed per game, respectively.

Kaman gives the Pacers more size in the interior and is a good rebounder and shot-blocker. Coming off the bench he would give the Pacers more defense on the second team and allow them to limit opponents even more. He doesn't appear to be a legit starting center these days, but as a backup he's a great addition.

Beyond that, he's a team player. The Hornets have made it clear that putting him on the trade block had nothing to do with his effort or demeanor. He's a guy who not only would help out on the glass, he figures to fit in nicely with a team that has shown great chemistry thus far.

For the rising Pacers, adding some depth in the interior would edge them ever closer to the Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference.