Feb 9, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers bench reacts to making a three point basket against the San Antonio Spurs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. San Antonio defeats Indiana 95-93. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
3. Indiana Pacers
2014-2015 Efficiency Rating: 46.1
This one may seem as a bit of surprise due to the fact the bench issues of past Pacer teams have been well documented. For those of you who don’t agree with this ranking, let’s look at the facts. Indiana was the 3rd highest scoring bench last season, the top bench in rebounding (19.7 rpg), and the 2nd highest efficiency.
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Add in the fact that the bench was excellent last season even with a surplus of injuries. Also Paul George returning will help…understatement of the year.
As of right now, the rotation is unclear. There are clear question marks on the frontline, as far as who will start. Jordan Hill figures to be a shoe in, the question is will Myles Turner show enough in training camp to earn the spot?
Say for instance, Turner gets the go ahead to start, that leaves the primary bench rotation looking like Ian Mahinmi, Lavoy Allen, C.J. Miles, Rodney Stuckey and Joseph Young. Stuckey gives the bench a fantastic lift with ability to score; not to mention he is coming off one of his best seasons last year.
Miles will provide scoring and a solid outside 3-point threat. He made a team-high 154 3-pointers last season, an astounding 84 more than the next Pacer. Allen will provide hustle and interior scoring off the bench and Mahinmi will offer his ever consistent rim protection.
The one question mark on the bench is the backup point guard. Rookie Joseph Young figures to get first crack at the job. He is an outstanding scorer and a former Pac-12 Player of the Year. He showed enough in the Orlando Summer League to earn the biggest steal of the draft by his fellow rookies.
There is some concern if Indiana can replicate their defensive success with the new up-tempo style they look to employ. The matter of the fact is despite injuries, the Pacers were still a top-10 defense last season. Frank Vogel and Company seem to be able to transform any player into at least an adequate defender.
There is change brewing in Indiana and it is something the Pacers fans should be excited about. It is not so much a rebuild as a re-imagining of the roster. The bench figures to be top group again this season and with Paul George‘s return, this season is intriguing to say the least.
Next: Golden State Warriors