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5 Under the Radar Keys Entering the Season For the Indiana Pacers

By Jordan Yant

Apr 14, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers guards C.J. Miles (0) and Rodney Stuckey (2) react to the Pacers taking a commanding lead in double overtime against the Washington Wizards at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats Washington 99-95 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 14, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers guards C.J. Miles (0) and Rodney Stuckey (2) react to the Pacers taking a commanding lead in double overtime against the Washington Wizards at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats Washington 99-95 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Chase Budinger’s Health vs. Solomon Hill’s Consistency

Feb 22, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Solomon Hill (44) dunks against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats Golden State 104-98. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 22, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Solomon Hill (44) dunks against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats Golden State 104-98. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

This is the training camp battle for the back-up small forward spot. Larry Bird has wanted the injury prone Chase Budinger for some time and Solomon Hill has plateaued. Not really two great options huh? The two former Arizona Wildcats will be scratching and clawing (see what I did there) for playing time.

It was reported that Budinger was brought in to contest with CJ Miles for the starting 3 spot. Right now that is something that does not seem like much of a battle.

Budinger’s primary issue has been health. Last season he did play in 67 games (most in four years), but his injury aptitude has been well documented. He is a strong wing rotation player when he is healthy and is an underrated defender.

With that being said, he is a major question mark. There is a reason Minnesota gave him up for a guy who won’t even see time for the Timberwolves (Damjan Rudez). He is a career 36% 3-point shooter so that could come in handy sometime down the line.

Focus on his competition; Solomon Hill. The young forward struggled mightily in the Orlando Summer League. Ok…struggled may be an understatement. He shot a putrid 18% from the field and had more turnovers than shots made. That’s all that can be said about that.

He did show flashes last season that he could be a competent rotation player. Although, his consistency is a major concern after his unstable performances all of last year. With a crowded wing rotation it may be hard for Solo to earn his spot. Yes, his defense is solid. That cannot be the only redeemable thing about him if he plans on playing a major role off the bench this season.

The back-up small forward spot is a toss-up. Hopefully either one of these guys can perform and excel off the bench. Right now they are just two big question marks.

Next: Frank Vogel's Adaptability

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