Indiana Pacers Fit the Puzzle Pieces Together on Draft Week

The Indiana Pacers made a couple major transactions over the days surrounding the draft. Here’s what happened, why it happened, how these pieces will fit together come next season, and what the team will have to do next.

The Indiana Pacers are brewing up something, alright.

You could say that last season was a disappointment for the Pacers, coming up a few plays short of advancing past the first-round against the eventual Eastern Conference finalist Raptors. That’s fine because Larry Bird shares your sentiment.

This offseason, Bird wanted to do something about it. He’s no stranger to a good (or bad) trade, but seeing the kind of action Pacers fans saw in the days surrounding the draft was a bit surprising — largely due to the magnitude of the deals and slightly less due to how positively received the transactions were to the general public.

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Bird made moves— starter moves. He said last season that he wanted to run a faster offense, but didn’t do what was necessary to fulfill the task. He lost the “traditional” frontcourt of Roy Hibbert and David West and replaced them with the revolutionary frontcourt of … last year’s bench big men and Jordan Hill. He drafted Myles Turner, of course, but for someone wanting semi-immediate change, a rookie project can’t be your only serious move.

He signed Monta Ellis last season, a solid player on a modest contract, but that move has seemed to create the greatest problem for the Pacers’ new offense (and possibly even more so defense) as it sits today. More on that later.

He tried his best, and the roster did change, but the results didn’t turn out the way he liked. He decided to go in a new direction, cutting ties with head coach Frank Vogel and promoting assistant coach Nate McMillan to see what he can bring to the table.

And as for this summer, if the last week has been any indication, he means business.

The Pacers parted ways with hometown hero George Hill and replaced him with new hometown hero Jeff Teague in a three-way deal involved with the Utah — a deal that rumors say couldn’t get done before the trade deadline this year.

Then, on draft day, rather than filling roster holes with their 20th overall pick, the Pacers traded it and a future second rounder to the Brooklyn Nets for Thaddeus Young — AKA the starting true power forward the Pacers longed for all of last season. They held on to their 50th pick, drafting Georges Niang, a stretch four before the night was over.

The puzzle pieces are being put together. Things are starting to make sense, and a picture is starting to form. Is that picture a championship contender? Right now, no, and there are a few more pieces left to put into place before that’s a conceivable thought. What exactly happened these past few days, though, and what pieces are left to take shape?

Next: Jeff Teague In, George Hill Out

Wednesday, June 22, 2:12 p.m. — Jeff Teague In, George Hill Out

It was a quiet Wednesday afternoon. Pacers fans and Twitter mouths alike were rambling about the upcoming draft, waiting for the first major move to be made.

Then, the sirens came. Everyone ran to their shelters.

A Woj bomb was falling.

Jeff Teague, a guy whose name has been associated with a possible Pacers trade for many years, and a guy whose arm dons the city in which the Indiana Pacers play basketball, is finally a member of the team. It makes sense now more than ever. With a faster-paced offense comes the necessity for a distributor — a fast guy who can dish it out to the main shooters of the team with efficiency.

George Hill was a lot of great things, but that wasn’t one of them. His value wasn’t in being able to run an offense but in things like his length and considerably strong defense, his ability to adapt and keep up with any offensive set, and his corner three ability.

Teague is almost like the inverse of Hill. You won’t see many people driving past Hill from the perimeter; this happens with Teague more often than you’d like. You will see Teague driving past many people from the perimeter; Hill isn’t quite as aggressive.

Jeff Teague vs George Hill | PointAfter

For example last season, Hill had 185 field goal attempts inside of 5 feet, which accounted for 25% of his shot selection on the year. Teague had 414 field goal attempts from the same range, accounting for about 42% of his total shots. Furthermore, only 52.8% of Hill’s buckets from that close came unassisted, while Teague was able to make the play himself a whopping 80.7% of the time. Teague finished fifth in the league in drives last season, with 11.1 a game. Hill finished 98th, with 3.7.

The Pacers haven’t had a playmaker like this in both passing and scoring since Darren Collison, meaning that this will be the first time since the Paul George era really took off that we’ll see a traditional point guard run the show.

Teague, while having many defensive faults, is quite possibly the best point guard the Pacers could’ve (feasibly) grabbed this offseason for the offense they’re trying to run. Hill’s defense will be missed, surely, but the overall offensive upside Teague brings to the team might just outweigh his defensive shortcomings. Even in basic terms, Teague’s 16-17 points and 6-7 assists per game are an obvious improvement over Hill’s 11-12 points and 3-4 assists per game.

The Pacers haven’t had a playmaker like this in both passing and scoring since Darren Collison, meaning that this will be the first time since the Paul George era really took off that we’ll see a traditional point guard run the show. With ball-handling wing duos such as George and Stephenson and George and Ellis starring over the past few years, there hasn’t been much need for such a point guard.

Now, in Year Two of the “let’s play fast” campaign, it feels like this was the correct puzzle piece to add to the team. The Pacers finished 10th in pace last season as part of their efforts to pick up the tempo — a decent improvement over their finish at 19th two years ago. But, the teams ahead of them in the top 10 almost all share the trait of having a playmaking PG. Whether it be Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook, John Wall, Isaiah Thomas or Hate-Him-All-You-Want-But-He-Got-11-Assists-A-Game Rajon Rondo, usually having a faster pace requires having a point guard that can run the offense and create points with ease. For what it’s worth, Teague and the Hawks finished two spots above the Pacers at 8th in pace last season.

Related Story: Thank You, George Hill

Although losing a quality player like Hill isn’t the greatest thing to ever happen (for the defense especially), it felt as if it was time for him to go. Fans, fairly or not, voiced their criticisms for Hill loudly over his last few seasons. Being a part of a trade that sent eventual Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard away probably didn’t help his chances. The backcourt defense takes a hit with his loss, but the addition of Teague brings a skill set that is necessary for this offense to run at full speed.

Having a guy who can attack, direct traffic, give open looks to our star shooters, create baskets with his playmaking ability, and help revitalize what has been an ugly pick and roll situation for the Pacers in recent history is everything they need out of the point guard spot in this new era. Teague should have some fun with Paul George too, who will probably be the greatest teammate he’s had in his career.

Hill was a very solid piece. Teague just fits better in our puzzle.

Next: Thaddeus Young > Rookie

Thursday, June 23, 1:53 p.m. — Thaddeus Young > Rookie

The Pacers universe was tense.

A day after the shocking revelation that long sought after asset Jeff Teague was traded to the team, another Woj bomb was about to explode. After months of scouting, hosting draft workouts, and preparing to pick at the 20 spot for the draft being held that night, Bird decided to instead trade the pick and a future second-rounder for Nets forward Thaddeus Young.

In a somewhat weak draft, Bird took control of his own destiny with the move. Rather than wait and see how things fall ahead of the 20 spot, he traded it and got a guy he knows is capable of starting day 1. As the draft went on, the trade started looking better and better, as many of the names Pacers fans were excited about fell off the board before the 20 pick rolled around.

The message was clear: Thaddeus Young > Rookie.

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Regardless of whether that’s true or not (it will take 3 or 4 years to tell for sure), grabbing an established piece over one you have to build shows that Bird plans on making this rebuild short. Young brings immediate impact to this team, and just like his newly acquired teammate Teague fills the biggest hole in the backcourt, Young fills the biggest hole in the frontcourt.

What was that glaringly missing piece? A true power forward. Paul George and C.J. Miles ended up being bad experiments at the 4 position. Lavoy Allen is far from a bad player, but starting him at 4 was problematic for the Pacers, case in point the first few games of the Raptors series last year. Having Turner paired up at the 4 with Ian Mahinmi seemed to be the most effective frontcourt for the team, but it definitely felt clunky and was awful for floor spacing.

Enter Thaddeus Young.

Thaddeus Young | PointAfter

He’s not a superstar, no, but a guy who’s guaranteed to fight for boards and get buckets every time he’s on the court. He averaged roughly 15 points and 9 boards last year. The Pacers haven’t had a guy average 15 and 9 or better since Jermaine O’Neal. They haven’t had anyone grab that many boards since Troy Murphy.

Keep in mind, Thaddeus Young was able to put up his numbers despite the workload of his frontcourt partner (and best player on the team) Brook Lopez. Young still got his despite having a 7-footer next to him, a situation that should feel familiar to him as he moves on to his next frontcourt partner – almost 7-footer Myles Turner.

He’s not a superstar, no, but a guy who’s guaranteed to fight for boards and get buckets every time he’s on the court.

Another helpful addition he brings is help to the aforementioned pick and roll situation. Young ranked 18th in the league in points scored as the roll man on the play, and that’s with his buddy Lopez finishing 4th alongside him. Young comes from an offense very familiar with the pick and roll and using it effectively, something that the Pacers and perhaps more specifically Myles Turner need to improve in. Turner and his partner Mahinmi both failed to crack the top 30 in the category (36th and 33rd respectively).

A good screen is just what Paul George needs to be successful, and the more he gets the better. Last season, he finished 8th in the league in isolation points and 4th in points off a screen. Those are both great rankings; one of them was achieved much more smoothly. His isolation numbers in total are great, but they didn’t come easy. He scored a measly 0.81 points per possession and had a 34.4 FG%, 38.1% scoring frequency, and an 11.1% turnover frequency on isolations. Those were all the worst numbers out of anyone in the top 10 for the category.

Yes, Paul George averaged more turnovers off of isolations than James Harden. Let that sink in.

However, off of screens, George rocks a nice 1.01 points per possession and 40.6 FG%, which when considering most of the shots off of screens are 3-pointers, are pretty solid totals. They’re not the worst out of any player in the top 10 of the category, at least. The point is, the more George is given and the less he has to create, the better.

With Young and an emerging Turner at the helm, the hope is that pick and rolls can become more of a factor in the offense with Teague, and guys like George and C.J. Miles (who ranked 18th in points off screens and catch and shoots) can score a lot easier off of nice screens. That’s the kind of offensive efficiency a fast-paced team needs. Young will be a big help in making that dream become a reality.

He certainly isn’t a “stretch 4” by any regards, though. His 3-point numbers are some of the most confusing stats you’ll ever see. Here’s a rundown of his total 3-point attempts in each of his seasons since joining the league: 19, 164, 138, 22, 4, 8, 292, 115, 30. A graph of his career 3-point shot attempts would literally look like the McDonald’s logo.

He’s shot 31.9% from 3 throughout his career, though in his only volume year (2013-14, when he shot 292 3-point attempts) he shot 30.8%. Neither are particularly enticing numbers, but depending on how the Pacers want to use him, they could be enough to keep defenders honest and space the floor. Besides, Myles Turner should be able to space with his killer midrange and (hopefully) on the rise 3-point stroke.

Most of Young’s shots came within the paint last year, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s just worth noting that he’s coming off of a season where he was really good around the tin and not so good everywhere else.

What he’s bringing to the squad is stability and consistency on the scoring and rebounding end. He’s a mixed bag when it comes to floor spacing and shooting threes, but his addition to the team should provide a boost to the team’s offense overall. He’s the kind of player the Pacers have needed in the frontcourt for a long time.

That’s how his piece fits into the puzzle.

Next: The Draft Isn't Over

Thursday, June 23, 11:49 p.m. — The Draft Isn’t Over

Within all of the excitement of the past couple days, it was hard to get excited for what the Pacers had left: a second round draft pick. No one at pick 50 is going to bring the impact the previous two moves will, but the Pacers still had the opportunity to find buried treasure. The team didn’t trade into the first round and their given pick was traded for Young, but that didn’t matter. The draft and the night wasn’t over for the Pacers, and as the clock neared midnight the Pacers added their final piece of the week.

Shams Charania, Wojnarowski’s second in command, dropped his own ShamWow for the Pacers. Georges Niang, the Pacers second round draft pick. A career college guy who just doesn’t quite have an NBA body, but who still can (hopefully) figure out ways to contribute at the next level. He’s crafty, and not crafty in the sense of “this is the word we use to describe a player that sucks without being mean”, but actually crafty.

He averaged 20.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists and had a 54.6 FG% in his senior season for the Iowa State Cyclones, which is no small feat for a guy in a power conference. That output netted him a unanimous All-Big-12 First Team selection, as well as consensus Second Team All-American honors.

Georges Niang – Iowa State Cyclones | PointAfter

Some people have NBA athleticism and some don’t. Niang, unfortunately, falls into the latter category. If he wants to produce on the team, his biggest problem will be his own limitations. He himself has stated his ideal role on the team in a chat with IndyStar’s Nate Taylor, which is finding his own place, making plays, and making life easier for players like George, Ellis, and Teague.

He obviously was able to figure that out in college with his absurd senior stat line, and he was also developed by one of the best coaches in college basketball, current Bulls coach Fred Hoidberg, whom Niang may have been thinking of with his jersey number selection. If Niang can produce, he adds a piece of the puzzle that the Pacers have been missing for a while.

A stretch 4. Thaddeus Young isn’t one. But Niang is. He had a 39.2 3P% in his senior year and shot 37.5% from long range throughout his entire college career. He was also 60.5% on 2-pointers in his final season. The guy can score from anywhere.

Georges Niang Shot Chart | PointAfter

Combine that with his rebounding and assist numbers as a 4, and you’re looking at a guy who can give you almost anything off the bench. The Pacers are a little light on quality big men as things sit right now, so if Niang’s abilities translate at the next level, the bench will be a lot better off.

For now, fans will have to see what he’s made of in Summer League action. There’s no guarantee he’ll get playing time or even be on the roster once October rolls around, but if what GM Kevin Pritchard said after draft night holds up, he has a good shot at good minutes.

He may be a small piece, but at the end of the day, the puzzle got a little clearer after the pick.

Next: What Now?

What Now?

After the dust settled, the puzzle is starting to form for the 2016-17 Pacers season. It’s not finished yet, but like any puzzle, you can see what picture it’s supposed to create before it’s completed. The starting five if the season started today probably will look like this, though once July 1 hits all bets are off.

The Pacers are sitting with about $18-$20 million in cap room to sign free agents or $10-$12 million with Mahinmi’s cap hold. The decision on whether to re-sign Mahinmi or not is an interesting one, though it seems as if it isn’t going to happen. All indications point to him testing the market in free agency, and no one in the Pacers organization has really included his name when talking about the future of the team.

So, what pieces are left? With likely Mahinmi gone, the big man rotation isn’t looking strong. The closest thing to a backup center on the team right now is Rakeem Christmas, who has about as much proving to do this offseason as Niang does. The big man market is sparse, but they need to figure something out.

The next problem comes from having George, Teague, and Ellis on the floor at the same time. There’s only one ball in a regulation NBA game. They all need it in their hands to be successful.

The next problem comes from having George, Teague, and Ellis on the floor at the same time. There’s only one ball in a regulation NBA game. They all need it in their hands to be successful. Ellis, a faux-point guard, could cause trouble with Teague in terms of wanting to be the ballhandler. An option could be to have Ellis come off the bench as a sixth man. But, who starts at the 2? Do the Pacers insert C.J. Miles back into the starting lineup, or do they sign someone like Courtney Lee or Eric Gordon?

The final problem that sticks out is defense. While Teague and Young were great additions to the team, they didn’t make their name on the defensive end. Not to mention, defensive genius Frank Vogel isn’t coaching the squad anymore. The hope is that Dan Burke, who’s staying on the team as an assistant coach, can think something up to get stops with this lineup. The realistic hope is that they find a way to be more efficient scorers in their fast paced offense than deficient defenders.

Next: The Pacers Can’t Stop Getting Guys With the Similar Names

The next step in putting this puzzle comes with the start of free agency on July 1. But, based on what was put into place last week, this puzzle is looking like it could be something special.