The Indiana Pacers Missed an Opportunity With Yogi Ferrell
Yogi Ferrell is rapidly forging a path for himself in the NBA, and the Indiana Pacers missed a chance at something special.
In the past week, the Dallas Mavericks have been reaping the benefits of Ferrell’s services, and it appears that the Indiana Pacers made a mistake by never giving the Hoosier a chance. Ferrell is currently on a 10-day contract, but after his recent performances, Dallas plans to sign him to a 2-year deal.
Kevin “Yogi” Ferrell has been instrumental throughout Dallas’ win streak as he has averaged nearly 18 points per game and 5 assists per game. He has also revitalized this struggling Mavericks team with his presence of constant energy and activity on both ends of the floor.
With Ferrell, Dallas has rattled off four straight wins. Two of these wins came against title contending teams in San Antonio and Cleveland. The third win was achieved versus an improving Philadelphia 76ers team that held one of the league’s best records in the month of January.
The fourth win came last night in Portland in extraordinary fashion. Ferrell erupted for 32 points on 9 of 11 from 3-point range and dished 5 assists.
This sent the Mavericks bench and media into a frenzy. Ferrell did not have a job a week ago, and now he finds himself leading Dallas to key wins and putting up gaudy numbers along the way. There is almost a “Linsanity” feel to what Ferrell is doing, but his story could have been much more had it been in his hometown, Indiana.
Why the Pacers Needed Yogi
If we have learned anything over the past week, it is that Yogi Ferrell belongs, and if he belongs anywhere, it is in Indiana.
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Ferrell grew up in Indiana where he attended Park Tudor and captured two state championships. Yogi stayed true to his Hoosier roots in college as he spent four extremely successful years in Bloomington at Indiana University. While in college, he averaged highs of 17.3 points and 5.6 assists. He was the leader and floor general of several Indiana teams that made some deep tournament runs.
It is evident that Ferrell has a winning pedigree, and the Pacers could have greatly benefited from that in a backup point guard spot that is unproductive for them.
Currently, Aaron Brooks is the second-string point guard, and Joe Young is his backup. The two are averaging 5.3 points per game and 2.5 points per game respectively. They are capable players, but both have been inconsistent all year.
Brooks received a DNP against Orlando on Wednesday, which speaks to the coaching staff’s reluctance to trust his inconsistent play, and Young rarely finds himself on the floor. Young has even spent some time in the D-League with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants.
Also, the a beloved hometown player such as Ferrell would have been a much-needed boost to Indiana’s fan base. The Pacers currently find themselves in the bottom-half of the league’s attendance records, and Ferrell would have had this city buzzing if he could have laced them up in Bankers Life.
The Waiting Game
As the Indiana Pacers look to improve their bench before the trade deadline on February 23rd, the backup point guard spot will be a priority, and bringing in Yogi Ferrell would have been ideal. It clearly has been for Dallas.
The Yogi Ferrell Show may be short-lived, or he could solidify himself as a starter if he continues his marvelous play. The Mavericks already have Deron Williams, J.J. Barea and Devin Harris at the point guard position, but their health has been a constant question.
Also, Deron Williams’ name has been circulating in trade rumors involving the Cleveland Cavaliers, who as we all know, are looking for a “playmaker” (Sorry, I had to LeBron). Ferrell’s role is definitely contingent on the health and possible movement of Dallas’ current point guards.
Ferrell will be signed to 2-year contract once his current 10-day contract expires, but it’s only for two years right? Indiana may just have to play the waiting game with Ferrell and see what he can accomplish in two years of NBA experience.
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Whatever his role may be, let’s enjoy the emergence of a Hoosier that was counted out and made NBA general managers across the league look foolish. Then, let’s be ready to bring him home, because Yogi Ferrell in an Indiana Pacers jersey just seems right.