Trades add depth, flexibility, defense to roster
|
Now that we can delete the words "reportedly," "allegedly," and "proposed" from our official trade-related lexicon, let's sort out exactly how the two big deals with Toronto and Portland shape the roster.
As Larry Bird said on draft night, there is still some work to do – but significantly less than on June 25. This roster doesn't quite have everything but it has a lot more than it did before the deals in terms of depth and flexibility. The most dramatic upgrade should be on defense, where the Pacers now have far fewer matchup problems.
Let's examine the new roster, position by position.
POINT GUARDS
 |
 |
Primary backups: Jarrett Jack, Travis Diener.
Analysis: We'll get to the offense in a minute. Let's address the defense first. Consider how dramatic a change this is for Coach Jim O'Brien, who now has Ford to match up with the quick guards that have tortured the Pacers for years, as well as Jack to contend with the bigger ones that have beaten them up. Offensively, Ford is a top-tier creator (third in the NBA in assists per 48 minutes last season) who takes care of the ball (eighth in assist-turnover ratio) and makes good decisions off penetration. Jack, who carries nearly 200 pounds on his 6-3 frame, will be a strong option off the bench. He's just 24 and has 99 NBA starts. After carrying too heavy a load (and breaking down, physically) last season, Diener can settle into a more natural role as an energy guy and shooter off the bench.
Concerns: The only major issue is Ford's health, which will be an ongoing concern but with Jack and Diener on hand, the Pacers are well-covered. Jack is particularly durable, having missed six games in three seasons. If the Pacers can't find a way to relocate Jamaal Tinsley, his presence could be an issue although there appears little chance he'll factor into the playing rotation.
WINGS
 |
 |
 |
Primary backups: Brandon Rush, Marquis Daniels, Shawne Williams, Stephen Graham, Josh McRoberts
Analysis: Though it's wise to be cautious in forecasting expectations for a rookie, it's reasonable to anticipate this will evolve into a three-man rotation with Granger, Dunleavy and Rush dividing the majority of the minutes. All can hit the 3-pointer (Rush shot .435 from the arc in his college career) and have the versatility to make the defensive matchups interchangeable. Rush should also strengthen the defensive options. It remains to be seen how, or if, McRoberts, Daniels and/or Williams can carve a niche. Both have been largely disappointing in their brief tenures in Indiana.
Concerns: This is by far the most loaded area of the roster, which brings the inevitable possibility of overcrowding, which can lead to disenchantment. There's also the possibility Rush might not be ready to contribute as a rookie but he was the first freshman ever to lead Kansas in scoring and rebounding, not to mention the first to earn a first-team all-Big 12 first team selection, so history indicates otherwise.
POSTS
 |
 |
 |
Primary backups: Jeff Foster, Rasho Nesterovic, Maceo Baston.
Analysis: Hibbert, who carries 278 pounds on his 7-2 frame, should strengthen the post defense immediately. While he wasn't considered a big-time offensive threat on the block in college, he knows what to do with the ball when he catches it with his back to the basket. His passing should stand out in O'Brien's system but he'll need to be a better rebounder. Nesterovic brings a little more than just an expiring contract to the mix. He's also big and strong (7-0, 255) and is a capable face-up shooter. Murphy's long-range shooting is extremely valuable provided he can improve his rebounding and defense. Foster has proven just as productive whether he starts or comes off the bench and could be more of a game-changer in reserve. Baston's athleticism should fit very well with O'Brien's system, although minutes could be hard to find.
Concerns: It remains to be seen how the lack of a major low-post scoring threat will affect the halfcourt offense, which may not be that big a factor during the regular season but becomes more prominent in the playoffs. There are several quality pieces here but will they fit together in complementary roles? Or will they bump heads battling for playing time? The speed of Hibbert's development is critical. Because he was a four-year college player, the Pacers are planning for him to contribute right away in a very difficult and demanding position.
