Smith: Bring on the lineup changes, as the “New Nate” era begins.
By TYLER SMITH (@TylerSmith_ISL)
ISL Editor
INDIANAPOLIS — The Nate Bjorkgren era is officially set to begin on Wednesday night at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned about “new Nate” so far, it’s this: Be ready for anything.
The Nate McMillan days are over. The same set plays? History. The same defensive strategy regardless of the opponent? Long gone. The same tired quotes after every game? No more. What about the rotation? Under Nate Bjorkgren- get comfortable being uncomfortable.
“Our guys know I’m going to start the five guys that give us the best chance that night and I’m going to end with the 5 that give us the best chance to finish,” said the Pacers new Head Coach. “I look for different lineups. We will play big. We will play small. These guys are ready to be inserted at a number of different positions and combinations.”
Bjorkgren continued: “I’ll play anywhere from nine guys on a given night, to 11 or 12 on a certain night. Each game will dictate those decisions. We have some guys that may be inserted if we need some energy, or if a certain situation dictates making a change.”
It would be very easy for a new coach to come in and keep things as similar as possible, especially when it comes to lineups and rotations. But that’s not Bjorkgren’s style. His goal isn’t to keep things simple. His goal is winning basketball games.
Even in his introductory press conference, Bjorkgren said this was coming. “I don’t think there should ever be a set rotation. Each game will dictate it. The guys will be ready. I’m not afraid to enter a player into a game. I want them all to believe they can step on that floor and contribute.”
Nate credited his time in the D-League and time with Nick Nurse for developing this way of thinking. Keeping guys fresh and adapting to change is one of his strengths. As a result, the entire roster should be ready on any given night to step in and contribute. And with this Pacers roster, there are plenty of intriguing aspects to consider. Of course, it all starts with Turner and Sabonis. Do they both start every game? Do they stagger playing time? Does it depend on the match-up? Again, be ready for anything. They’re both getting paid to start, but I’ll say it once more: Nate Bjorkgren will do whatever he feels necessary to win games. That may upset players at times, and help others excel. But for the Pacers organization, it will be refreshing.
What about other positional battles? Will T.J. McConnell get regular playing time, or will he only play if Aaron Holiday starts? Will Kelan Martin or Edmond Sumner get the nod most nights if the rotation goes deep? What nights will T.J. Warren play more at the four, and how will that impact the others? Last season, the Pacers had a lot of lineup changes, but only because of injuries. This season? Look for the Pacers to be a league leader in different combinations, but by choice.
Bjorkgren hasn’t coached an official game in the NBA yet, but if his quotes are any indication: This guy has no fear. Pacer fans better not get used to the same lineups and rotations night after night. Instead, get used to a refreshing new style of play that is all about winning that night. Let the “new Nate” era begin.
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