8 points, 9 seconds
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Underrated Cory Joseph key to Indiana Pacers’ early season success

By Jacob Breece

CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 10: Bojan Bogdanovic #44 of the Indiana Pacers and Cory Joseph #6 of the Indiana Pacers high five during the game against the Chicago Bulls on November 10, 2017 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 10: Bojan Bogdanovic #44 of the Indiana Pacers and Cory Joseph #6 of the Indiana Pacers high five during the game against the Chicago Bulls on November 10, 2017 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Cory Joseph is a solid backup point guard and the Indiana Pacers are just fine with that.

All Cory Joseph does is win. Since he came into the league back in 2011, he has made the playoffs in each of his first 6 seasons. He brings a winning mentality to an Indiana Pacers squad filled with youth.

Joseph is reliable in every sense of the word. For his career, CoJo averages less than one turnover per game. Not only is he reliable on the court he rarely misses games. Since the start of the 2014 season, Joseph has only missed 5 games.

The little things are often overlooked, especially in the NBA. But, these are the elements Joseph specializes in.

CoJo is the rock for Indy’s underrated second unit

From his days in San Antonio with the Spurs until now, Joseph has always been a defensive minded lead guard. Joseph uses his above average wingspan to harass opposing point guards and keep them out of the lane.

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Joseph can defend either guard position with ease and will usually take on the opposing teams best offensive player in the second unit.

Not only is he long, but CoJo has very good size and can easily slide to the off-guard on both ends of the court. This has been extremely important for the Pacers offensively as they can unleash Lance Stephenson in pick and rolls and capitalize on his court vision. Often Indy chooses to let Lance run the point and which allows Joseph to slide to the off-guard for catch and shoot opportunities.

Where Joseph has really improved though, is from behind the arc. He is shooting a career-best 47%  from long range most of which have come on spot-ups. This is another important dynamic for a second unit that sometimes lacks floor spacing.

Joseph should be looked at as a vital part to Indy’s success moving forward

The Texas product has had a solid start to his first campaign with the blue and gold. Although Joseph has been in the league for over 6 years, he is only 26 years old and should only get better.

As CoJo begins to enter his prime, the Pacers should continue to make him part of their bright future.

Next: Ike Anigbogu headed back to the Fort Wayne Mad Ants

It has been some time before the Indiana Pacers had a backup point guard they could trust, and Cory Joseph looks at home with the blue and gold.

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