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5 Pacers Training Camp Battles to Watch Out For

By Jordan Yant

Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Myles Turner (Texas) greets NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the number eleven overall pick to the Indiana Pacers in the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Myles Turner (Texas) greets NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the number eleven overall pick to the Indiana Pacers in the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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LaVoy Allen vs. Jordan Hill

February 20, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Jordan Hill (27) moves to the basket against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
February 20, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Jordan Hill (27) moves to the basket against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

For many it is just a foregone conclusion that Jordan Hill will be starting. That could very well be the most likely conclusion, but before you label it as a given let’s examine some things.

Jordan Hill has not yet lived up to the hype of being the 8th overall pick of the 2009 draft. He did enjoy a career high last year in both points per game and rebounds per game, although he only started 57 games. That was also on a terrible Los Angeles Lakers team so …

Truth is, Jordan Hill is at his best when crashing the glass and finishing around the rim. For no apparent reason, he fell in love with a mid-range jumper last season. That would be great if he was good at them. But he shot just 34% from 10-16 feet and 38% in general from mid-range.

Add all of that up and it may not as sure of a thing that he starts as some think — especially if we assume that Paul George will be the power forward, and this Jordan vs. Allen battle is actually a fight to see which big man comes off the bench first. Throw in his recent reckless driving arrest, and it means that some poor play during camp could possibly lead to him being deeper in the rotation than anyone expects right now.

“The talk of playing more up-tempo basketball is what made me come back. The signing of Monta Ellis was really exciting to see. I’m a big fan of his game and excited to work with him.” LaVoy Allen

LaVoy Allen would figure to the dark horse candidate to surpass Jordan in the rotation — and especially a long shot to start. Listen, it is pretty obvious what some will think of this. Before you appear on my doorstep with pitchforks and torches in hand … please look closely into this quote from Allen after he re-signed: “The talk of playing more up-tempo basketball is what made me come back. The signing of Monta Ellis was really exciting to see. I’m a big fan of his game and excited to work with him.”

LaVoy Allen played extremely well last season when he was called upon. He created second-chance points, showcased himself as a capable mid-range shooter, and he was just signed to a four-year deal. Hill is on a one-year deal.

This is not a prediction by any means, but if Hill struggles and the PG-at-four experiment flames out early, do not be surprised if Allen gets some time at the starting power forward spot. His per-36 minutes numbers were outstanding (10.6 ppg and 10.9 rpg) and if you look at his Real Plus-Minus it was actually 18th in the entire league out of all power forwards. That doesn’t mean he will be the next Indiana Pacers All-Star by any means, but at least he is excited about the new up-tempo system.

Next: Shayne Whittington vs. Toney Douglas

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