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Should the Indiana Pacers pick up their team option on Lavoy Allen?

By Josh Padmore

Jan 29, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) is congratulated by forward Lavoy Allen (5) after dunking against the Houston Rockets at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 29, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) is congratulated by forward Lavoy Allen (5) after dunking against the Houston Rockets at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Indiana Pacers will have to decide whether or not they want to exercise their $4 million team option on Lavoy Allen’s contract.

Believe it or not, Lavoy Allen is currently the second longest tenured Pacer, behind Paul George. That’s very impressive for a guy who was considered a throw-in in the trade that landed Indiana Evan Turner. That was over three years ago.

Lavoy has proved to be the most valuable piece Indiana got in that trade, as Evan Turner had a bad run with the blue and gold. Allen has given the Pacers some good backup minutes over the years. However, he hasn’t offered the team any 3-point shooting, which is critical in today’s NBA, even for backup fours. Lavoy did say during his exit interview that he plans on getting a lot of 3s up during the off-season, though.

Lavoy’s best attribute is definitely his rebounding. Whether it’s on the defensive glass or the offensive glass, Lavoy gets the job done on the boards. Former teammate, Jordan Hill, once called Lavoy an offensive rebounding machine.

Back to business. Lavoy’s $4 million dollar team option isn’t expensive at all. In fact, former Pacers reporter Candace Buckner often praised the Pacers for signing him to a bargain contract. He’s coming off the worst season of his Pacers tenure, but he did have some very good moments. For instance, on Feb. 4 against the Pistons, Allen scored 18 points and grabbed 11 rebounds.

Allen started five games this season when Thaddeus Young injured his wrist. In those five games, he averaged a solid eight points per game and 6.4 rebounds per game. He also shot 55.9 percent from the field.

Overall, as a member of the Pacers, Allen has averaged 4.4 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. He’s been a reliable option off the bench for Indiana.

My Prediction

Ultimately, it wouldn’t surprise me if Lavoy Allen is back in the blue and gold next season. The Pacers seem to like him. That’s why they signed him to multiple contracts since acquiring him. Even if the Pacers draft a big man in the draft, I can still see them holding onto Lavoy.

Next: Thaddeus Young doesn't get enough credit

You just know what you’re going to get from him. You like to have guys like that on the team. He’s also, probably, the funniest guy on the team.

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