8p9s Roundtable: A Very Different Indiana Pacers
By Ben Gibson
Which acquisition will help the Pacers the most: Jeff Teague or Thad Young?
Furr: Thad Young. Jeff Teague might be a more valuable overall player, but Thad Young is shoring up what was a massive hole for the Pacers all last year, while Teague is replacing a position with steady production. Young’s ability to guard stretch 4’s will be huge for this Pacers team.
Barth: Thad Young. You have to remember that Lavoy Allen started 28 games for the Pacers last year at PF. Give Thaddeus those minutes, grab yourself a margarita and enjoy the new show.
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Eggers: Probably Thaddeus Young. George Hill is a great player – Lavoy Allen not as much. Upgrading the “true 4” spot from Allen to Young is a much bigger deal than upgrading the point guard spot from Hill to Teague (or Ellis to Teague depending on your perspective). Teague will be an exciting point guard, and the Pacers seem to think he’s the best (attainable) point for what they’re trying to do. But Young averaged 9 boards a game last year. The Pacers haven’t had a guy do that since Troy Murphy in 2009 (the closest Hibbert got was 8.8 a game). Pairing Young with Myles Turner just feels less clunky than the frontcourt of Ian Mahinmi and Turner last year. The impact will be seen a lot more clearly with Young.
Medworth: I actually am more excited for Thad Young. I’ve always been a big fan of his. He averaged 15 and 9 last year and he’s versatile. I’m really looking forward to the energy he’ll bring to this team.
Neal: Teague. The team wanted to get faster and Teague is a good match for that style. That doesn’t mean Young doesn’t match it because I think he does, but the Pacers needed a point guard that could consistently break down the defense off the dribble on pick and roll or in isolation. Teague, when healthy, does that with good results.
Next: Will Myles Turner and Thaddeus Young Both Start?