Pacers start 1-5, but it could be worse
By TYLER SMITH
ISL Editor
We knew this would be a challenging season for the Pacers. But five losses in the first six games? Is this season already a lost cause? That depends on who you ask.
If you’re looking for a title contender then yes, this season will be a lost cause. If you’re looking for a team in transition that has some important things to figure out for its future, then it won’t be a lost cause.
Injuries are a part of the game. Opposing teams aren’t going to feel sorry for the Pacers. However, you can’t expect much when you are rolling with only one, or sometimes two of your seven best players. Despite the injuries, the Pacers have fought hard and been within reach of victory in every game. There may not be such thing as moral victories in the NBA, but that’s not something to overlook either.
There are some positive things happening in the early going for this team:
DONALD SLOAN- Normally a third string player, Donald Sloan has taken full advantage of starter minutes. He is averaging 15.5 points, 6.2 assists, and 5.2 rebounds per game. It’s a very small sample size, and Sloan doesn’t have the greatest field goal percentage. However, it would be difficult to find a third string player who could put up those kind of numbers. He doesn’t have the shot or the defense of George Hill, but he might be the better passer and true point guard of the two. Yes, I just said that. Injuries open the door for other players. So far, Donald Sloan is making a case to stay in the rotation this year and maybe beyond.
SOLOMON HILL- He’s going to have some growing pains this season, having only played in 33 games in his career coming into this year. Through the first six games he has shown flashes of being a very solid player. His defense is improving, and his drives to the basket have looked special at times. He has scored in double-figures in each of the last four games. Even when the injured players return, Solomon Hill will remain one of the biggest story-lines to watch this season.
CHRIS COPELAND- I questioned why Chris Copeland wasn’t in the rotation from opening night last season all the way through the playoffs. The way he is scoring this year, my thoughts have been justified. He will never be a good defender, but he can flat out score. If he doesn’t remain with the Pacers beyond this season, he might at least bring back a decent return in a trade.
ROY HIBBERT- Overall, Roy Hibbert has been very solid so far this season. His future with the Pacers will largely be determined by his performance this year. He could become trade bait, opt out of his contract next year, or he could remain one of the franchise players for years to come. It’s a good sign that he’s playing extremely hard and putting up good results.
It may not be pretty, and it may be frustrating to watch. But things could be a lot worse. Several NBA teams would love to be in the Pacers position. They will have several trade chips this February. They will see the return of their star Paul George next season. They still have Larry Bird who will make solid moves to improve the team. Why is this season still important? If you add the development of a few players to this list, watch out.
Follow Tyler on Twitter: @sports_tys_20
