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Who’s to blame for the Pacers recent struggles?

By William Furr

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 06: Thaddeus Young #21 of the Indiana Pacers is seen during the game against the Chicago Bulls at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 6, 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. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 06: Thaddeus Young #21 of the Indiana Pacers is seen during the game against the Chicago Bulls at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 6, 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. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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Despite the excitement around Victor Oladipo’s return, the Indiana Pacers are struggling in their last dozen or so games.

The Indiana Pacers struggled to a 5-8 record in their last 13 games after a hot start to the season, with people pointing fingers at various sources. The team seems bonded, but fans everywhere are becoming a bit divided on the source of the malaise.

Myles Turner has been a source of ire for many, but his numbers for the 13 game stretch nearly exactly mirror his numbers for the season. His points and shooting percentages are basically identical, though he’s hit the glass slightly less.

Victor Oladipo missed 4 games (all losses) but averaged 28 points, 5 rebound, 4 assists, and 2 steals in the 9 games he played. He shot 51% from the field and 40% from 3, but the Pacers went only 5-4 in the games he played. The Pacers certainly missed him in the 4 games he missed and he wasn’t the problem during their 5-4 stretch.

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There is one Pacer who’s struggled mightily during that sobering 5-8 stretch, Thaddeus Young. Indiana listed Thad as questionable after the Pacers victory over the streaking Cavs with a sore thigh, and he’s struggled ever since.

In the 13 games since the Pacers ended Cleveland’s winning streak, Young is averaging a mere 8 points and 5 rebounds, shooting 44% from the field and 28% from deep. In the last 10, those numbers are down to just under 7 points and 4 rebounds on only 39% shooting and 27% from 3.

Young is clearly not right, and it seems to be going downhill rather than recovering. Some of you might recall that this happened last year with his wrist. The Pacers ran him out there with the injured wrist all the way until the All-Star break, and he wasn’t right again until the end of the season.

It feels like Nate is diving down that rabbit hole again, perhaps to the detriment of Young and the team both. There’s got to be a better way! So what can the Pacers do?

REST HIM, FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THINGS HOLY

Whether the Pacers plan on pushing for the playoffs with the current roster or selling off some of their short-term vets (Thad Young, Bojan Bogdanovic, Darren Collison), they need Thad Young. Not 50% of Thad Young, but actual Thad. The Pacers should try resting Young until he’s back up to speed, or at least closer. This gives the Pacers a chance to figure out something important as well.

Can Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner play together?

The Pacers have rolled out the twin tower lineup for 173 minutes this season, with mixed effectiveness. They’ve got a net rating of -.9, a very so-so number.

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They’re unsurprisingly the best rebounding tandem on the Pacers. A bit more surprisingly, lineups featuring them have the 2nd highest assist of any 2 man group on the Pacers.

There are absolutely things they do well. However, neither is exactly a power forward. They’ll struggle mightily against the pick and roll, and against quicker stretch 4’s. The Pacers owe it to themselves to find out if their 21-year-old front line partners can play together.

Resting an ailing Thad Young gives them the perfect excuse to do so, without adding pressure to either player. It’s the right move.

They should let Thad heal ASAP and find out what the future holds for their young bigs.

Next: Opportunity knocked for Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis

Outside of Victor Oladipo, Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis are likely the 2 most important Pacers moving forward. They need to find out if both players can be a part of the core.

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