Smith: Pacers “Big Three” gives the team a bright future
By TYLER SMITH (@TylerSmith_ISL)
ISL Editor
(Photo by Pacers Sports and Entertainment)
INDIANAPOLIS — Back in 2007, the Boston Celtics put together a team that included “The Big Three.” Ever since that team won an NBA Championship, that phrase has been used more and more around the league.
The Indiana Pacers may have found their version of the big three, with Paul George, Myles Turner, and Jeff Teague.
There’s no guarantee this trio will be with the Pacers long term, as Jeff Teague becomes a free agent after this season, and Paul George becomes a free agent after next year. But if Larry Bird can find a way to keep these three together, it could turn into something pretty special in Indiana.
Each player isn’t without flaws, but let’s look at the positives for the present and the future:
–Myles Turner: I wrote last year about Myles Turner looking like a future star, and he’s backed that up in a big way this season. He still has a lot of room to grow on the defensive end, but his offensive ability at 20 years old is extremely impressive. Turner is in some elite company in these statistics:
- Turner became just the fourth player in the last 30 years to be 20 years or younger and compile 25 points, 15 rebounds, and five blocked shots in one game. The others in that list? Shaquille O’Neal, Anthony Davis, and Karl Anthony Towns. (Basketball Reference).
- Only four players 20 or younger have averaged 15 points and two blocks in a season. Turner is on pace to be the fifth. The others to do it? Anthony Davis, Shaquille O’Neal, Chris Webber and Kevin Garnett.
Turner has already added the 3-point shot to his arsenal in just his second season. He’s shooting 43% from behind the arc this year, which leads all NBA centers. He blocked at least one shot in 23 straight games, which was the longest current streak in the league. He’s also a very hard worker, humble, and a good teammate- all good qualities for long-term success.
–Jeff Teague: Teague had a slow start to the season, and it left many fans questioning the trade that sent George Hill out of town. But you don’t hear near as many George Hill complaints these days. Jeff Teague averaged 15.9 points and 8.6 assists in the month of December. He’s averaging 16.7 points and 10.7 assists in the month of January.
Check out this stat: Jeff Teague is nearing the 300 assist mark for the season, after just 38 games. George Hill had 259 assists all of last season. Hill has only topped that mark one time in his career. Yes, George Hill is the better defender. But Teague is showing Pacer fans what a true point guard looks like.
It took some time for Teague to get comfortable playing for his new team. Not to mention, the extra pressure of coming home. But if Teague looks this good after half a season, imagine how good the combination of Teague/George/Turner could be if they stay together.
-Paul George: At times, Paul George has been underrated in his NBA career. At other times, fans have questioned if he has what it takes to lead a team. Whatever the case, two-way players with his talent don’t come around very often. Most experts and rating systems agree: Paul George is a top-five wing defender. Even when his shot is off, he can help the Pacers with elite defense.
He’s the main reason the No.7-seed Pacers were able to take the No.2-seed Raptors to a Game 7- because he was the best player on the court. In case you forgot, these were PG’s numbers in that series: 27.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.3 assists and two steals, while shooting 45.5 percent from the field and 41.9 percent from three-point range. Additionally, he registered a 28.1 Player Efficiency Rating and a 63.2 True Shooting Percentage.
This year, the Pacers are 10-2 when Paul George scores 25+ points. As he gets more comfortable with his new coach and new teammates, those high point totals will probably continue to rise.
He’s been the best clutch shooter in the NBA this season (Story by 8points9seconds= http://8points9seconds.com/2017/01/04/paul-george-clutch/), and he’s battle-tested with a lot of playoff experience.
Add all of this up, and you have a very promising “Big Three.” If I’m Larry Bird, I’m doing whatever it takes to keep these three together for the next several years. Other parts of the roster need fixed for the Pacers to turn into a title-contending team, but if you’re looking on where to start building- the pieces are already in place.
