8 points, 9 seconds
Fansided

8p9s Roundtable: What Will the Pacers Do Before the Trade Deadline?

By Jared Wade

Jan 25, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Indiana Pacers forward David West (21) drives to the basket against the Orlando Magic during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 25, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Indiana Pacers forward David West (21) drives to the basket against the Orlando Magic during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next

Is “acquiring” a healthy Paul George the best move the Indiana Pacers could make to get into the playoffs?

Donahue: Getting Paul George back in March (with all the caveats about not rushing back, blah, blah, blah) is probably the best thing that could happen to the Pacer franchise, regardless of the playoff implications. The sooner he gets back on the court, the soon he starts building back to being the player he was. It may feel far away, but the clock is already ticking on the end of Paul George’s extension. PG has a player option for his fifth year. If the Pacers want to keep George beyond that, they’ll have to prove they can rebuild a contender. The longer they have a healthy, productive Paul George in that time, the better chance they’ll have to accomplish that.

Furr: Yes. Paul George is a top-10 NBA player when healthy, and provides spacing and defense that no one on the team can match. PG will almost certainly struggle in his return, but even 75% of Paul George is a step up over the likes of Solomon Hill and Chris Copelan — guys who may not be ready for the size of the role they’re facing.

Medworth: I don’t feel comfortable with “Paul George returning” and “making the playoffs” having a correlation. I’d actually be more comfortable if Paul could return when the Pacers aren’t in a playoff push that way he has no pressure. Ideally, I think you would want him to come in and play 10 minutes a night as he continues to get his strength back. A playoff push could make that way more stressful, both mentally and physically.

Ochoa: This might not be a popular answer, especially with the looming memory of Derrick Rose’s failed comebacks, but I think Paul George needs to get back on the court ASAP. There is no way to truly get to 100% until you get back into game shape. Paul can practice all he wants, train with the greatest trainers in the world and participate in Pro-Am leagues over the Summer, but only playing in NBA games will help him return to the player he was prior to the injury. He needs to experience the speed of the game, develop the proper conditioning, and create in-game chemistry with his new teammates. If he could play in 10-15 games this year, even at a limited capacity, that would help his comeback enormously. In the end, that will help the Indiana Pacers.

Washburn: I actually believe the Pacers (provided they stay healthy) will make the playoffs without Paul George, but a healthy PG could make them a threat to actually win a series. Unless there is another move out there that brings in a top-15 player who might be the best defender in the league without giving up anything in return … then yeah, no other move could come close.

Next: David West for Terrence Ross Trade in the Works?

More from 8 Points, 9 Seconds

Home/Pacers News