Are the Pacers better after blockbuster trade?

Harrington and Jackson were the keys to the deal for Golden State. The Pacers were thrilled to find a taker for the swingman Jackson, who has had some character issues. The 6-9 Harrington, who can play all three frontcourt positions and had spent the first six years of his career with Indiana, was re-acquired by the Pacers from the Atlanta Hawks in a sign-and-trade deal during last offseason. Harrington did not fit in with Jermaine O’Neal like Indiana had hoped he would.

The 26-year-old Harrington, who was pursued by the Warriors last summer, averaged 15.9 points and 6.3 rebounds in 36 games for Indiana, while Jackson registered 14.1 points and 3.1 assists in 37 contests for the Pacers this season.

Indiana did acquire three frontcourt players who will have an immediate impact on head coach Rick Carlisle’s rotation.

Dunleavy, who was originally selected out of Duke in the first round (third overall) of the 2002 NBA Draft by Golden State, has not lived up to expectations. The Duke product had his most productive season in 2004-05, as he posted career-highs in points (13.4 ppg) and field-goal percentage (45.1 percent) in 79 games played.

The 26-year-old Dunleavy has not developed into the outside threat he was supposed to be coming out of Duke. The 6-9 forward has been inconsistent throughout his career and may benefit from a change of scenery.

Murphy, who is also 26, has had a tough season so far. Prior to the trade, Murphy posted 8.9 points and 6.0 boards in 26 outings. The Notre Dame product has proved in the past that he can average a double-double, which he has achieved three times during his time in the league.

In 2004-05, Murphy averaged career-highs in points (15.4 ppg) and rebounds (10.8 rpg). He is a solid low-post player who can also knock down a short jumper. Like Dunleavy, the 6-11 Murphy, who will play center and power forward for the Pacers, may also benefit playing on a new team.

Diogu, who is playing in his second season, is athletic and will give the Pacers depth up front. The 6-8 Diogu was selected out of Arizona State with the ninth overall pick by Golden State in the 2005 NBA Draft. The 23-year-old Diogu averaged 7.0 points and 3.3 rebounds in 69 games during his rookie campaign in 2005-06.

The trade between the Pacers and Warriors seems like it could be beneficial for the main players involved. Fresh starts is the theme of the deal.

Indiana is trying to surround O’Neal, who leads the Pacers in scoring and rebounding, with players who can help him compete against the elite in the Eastern Conference.

There is a chance that Dunleavy and Murphy could reach their full potential in Indiana, and Diogu could continue to develop into a solid pro. But the fact remains, the Pacers are no closer to being able to beating Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit or Miami in a best-of-seven game series.

The Pacers can’t be faulted for making the trade. The volatile Jackson had to go, and even though Harrington was putting up solid numbers, it just wasn’t working out with him and O’Neal. Indiana got rid of a headache and decided to go in a different direction with its frontcourt.

If Dunleavy and Murphy play like they have something to prove and get their games back together, Indiana will be thrilled with the deal. Don’t forget, Diogu has the potential to be a contributor.

Indiana did ok with the trade, but its new players are not going to be difference makers when the playoffs roll around.