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MIAMI, FL – OCTOBER 21: Domantas Sabonis #11 of the Indiana Pacers handles the ball against the Miami Heat on October 21, 2017 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. 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 Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Domantas Sabonis is more than a trade throw-in

Domantas Sabonis is the forgotten part of the Paul George trade. Victor Oladipo rightly garnered more attention, but the Pacers are hoping Sabonis can be more than just a throw-in on the controversial trade.

He filled in for Myles Turner at center over the last two games, averaging 10 points and 10.5 rebounds. Other than his foul trouble against the Heat, there is little to nothing to complain about from the 21-year old Lithuanian.

Sabonis wasn’t in a role that catered to his abilities — and he was just a rookie — with the Oklahoma City Thunder. With those experience under his belt and in a better situation, Sabonis is thriving.

Domantas’ defense got him starting time in Oklahoma City, but his offense was bad enough he arguably was a net loss for the Thunder when he was on the floor. He shot 39.9% last season before showing any offensive promise with the Pacers in the preseason. If nothing else he looked like a rookie, but not an overly impressive one in Oklahoma City.

After a 7 of 7 opening night for Sabonis, he’s averaging 12.3 points a game on 63.6% shooting. That percentage is bound to come down, but as long as he doesn’t shoot in the low thirties or worse, it is safe to say his offensive game has made a major jump.

Oladipo is the better player of the two from the trade, but Sabonis shows he isn’t just the other guy involved in that transaction.

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