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Player Preview: Glenn Robinson III’s injury will hurt the Pacers

By Jay Neal

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 08: Glenn Robinson III #40 of the Indiana Pacers is seen during the game against the Detroit Pistons at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 8, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 08: Glenn Robinson III #40 of the Indiana Pacers is seen during the game against the Detroit Pistons at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 8, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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After solidifying his place last season, Glenn Robinson III was poised to have a big year. Now, an ankle injury and surgery have jeopardized his season and hurt the Pacers’ depth.

This was supposed to be the breakout year for Glenn Robinson III.

He started last season out of head coach Nate McMillan’s rotation but blossomed into a key bench contributor. He stated at media day he had worked on his shooting and ball handling during the off-season and was looking to be more aggressive while continuing his development.

He is also entering a contract year, an opportunity to cash in as a solid 3-and-D wing player in an era where teams are paying eight-figure salaries for such types.

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Now, all that optimism has turned into doubt due to damaged medial and lateral ligaments in Robinson’s left ankle suffered on the second day of training camp. The initial diagnosis was a severe ankle sprain that was to sideline him for two months.

However, the diagnosis changed, according to McMillan, after the swelling went down and the doctors discovered further damage. The team released a statement declaring Robinson to be out 3-4 months after having surgery.

It’s an unfortunate turn of events for both Robinson and the team. He was expected to provide depth, shoot a good percentage from distance, and be a solid defender at the wing. The Pacers will now turn to Damien Wilkins, a 37-year old journeyman who hasn’t played in the NBA in four years, to fulfill GR3’s role until mid-January at the earliest. Not exactly the most desired scenario.

Pulling stats predictions from thin air

Role: 3-And-D Wing

They are all the rage these days. Teams covet players who can play within the team concept, space the floor on offense, and lock down on defense. Play this role well and a player can find himself making a lot of money. Robinson showed over a career-high 69 games played last year, including 27 starts, he can fulfill this role. Now, he’ll have to do it with similar effectiveness coming back from injury midway through the season while trying to get a new contract.

Robinson will shoot 39% again from 3-point range

GR3 surprised many Pacers fans last season with his ability to stretch the floor. He finished third in three-point percentage (for qualifying players) on a team that ranked fourth in the league in that category. As he works his way back from the injury, the one thing he’ll be able to do is to shoot. He must be a threat from deep to give his teammates room to operate.

Robinson’s Usage Rate will be above 15%

Despite averaging career highs across the board, GR3 had the second lowest usage rate (12.8%) on last season’s squad, according to Basketball-Reference.

He addressed his lack of aggressiveness at media day saying, “As many scorers as we had on the team, maybe that wasn’t something that was needed from me… Towards the end of the season, I kind of went out there with more of an aggressive mindset because that’s what the team needed.”

Expect his usage rate to rise with more opportunity and more assertiveness.

Player’s Season Summed up in One Bojack GIF

If you follow the Indiana Pacers, you need a sense of humor. Laugh so you don’t cry. And what’s funnier than Bojack Horseman? Nothing. Nothing is the answer.

via GIPHY

It’s gonna be an uphill battle for Glenn Robinson III this season.

Sweatin’ Bullets

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Sweatin’ Bullets is an 8p9s tradition started by Jonny Auping in which we offer standalone facts, observations, and commentary, often devoid of context or fairness.

One Key Question

Can Glenn Robinson III be effective missing so much of the season?

The Situation: This is Robinson’s first major injury in his NBA career. He’s expected to be out until mid-January at least. Will he be able to give the Pacers the depth they’ll need when he returns?

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Best-case Scenario: He comes back in mid-January and his development is unhindered due to the injury. He provides the Pacers with the same level of play as last year, but with more aggressiveness.

Worst-case Scenario: The injury prevents him from coming back until after the All-Star break and he never regains the momentum from last season.

Prediction: He will struggle upon his initial return, but he improves game-by-game as he gets into a rhythm. He’ll be anxious to play well given his contract status and the dearth of games when he comes back, so he’ll be more aggressive offensively.

Next: Player Preview: Victor Oladipo

It may be a tough year, but GR3 should be a bright spot when he’s healthy.

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