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2017-18 Pacers Player Reviews: T.J. Leaf

By Tony East

TARRYTOWN, NY - AUGUST 11: T.J. Leaf #22 of the Indiana Pacers poses for a photo during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG training center on August 11, 2017 in Tarrytown, New York. 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 Brian Babineau/Getty Images)
TARRYTOWN, NY - AUGUST 11: T.J. Leaf #22 of the Indiana Pacers poses for a photo during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG training center on August 11, 2017 in Tarrytown, New York. 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 Brian Babineau/Getty Images) /
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TJ Leaf Indiana Pacers
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 24: T.J. Leaf #22 of the Indiana Pacers looks on during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 24, 2017, at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

What’s Next?

For TJ Leaf, this is a good question.

The answer probably starts with more minutes. Under 500 minutes is too small of a sample to truly digest what the Pacers have in TJ Leaf. But if Leaf does get more burn, the next steps are obvious.

Leaf has to be better on defense. Even if he never get’s better on the glass or handling the ball, his strong shooting can keep him on the floor offensively. But if he doesn’t take the steps forward on D, it will be impossible for TJ to get minutes and polish his game since he will be an overwhelming negative.

Next: The case against bringing Aaron Gordon to the Indiana Pacers

So after one year of Leaf, we still don’t really know enough about him. Can he be an NBA player someday? If so, is he more Ryan Anderson or is he more Patrick Patterson? His defensive improvements will dictate a lot of the answers to the questions surrounding him. His first season he showed he can play offense. The rest of his game? We just have to wait and see.

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