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Indiana Pacers Love/Hate Series: T.J Leaf

By Jacob Breece

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 01: Indiana Pacers Forward TJ Leaf (22) looks on during an NBA game between the Indiana Pacers and the Los Angeles Clippers on April 1, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 01: Indiana Pacers Forward TJ Leaf (22) looks on during an NBA game between the Indiana Pacers and the Los Angeles Clippers on April 1, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – JANUARY 08: TJ Leaf #22 of the Indiana Pacers shoots the ball against the Milwaukee Bucks during the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on January 8, 2018, in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – JANUARY 08: TJ Leaf #22 of the Indiana Pacers shoots the ball against the Milwaukee Bucks during the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on January 8, 2018, in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

What we love about T.J. Leaf

Let’s start with what got him here. He’s a shooter. At 6’10 and mobile Leaf should have no problems finding shots. He’s both a spot-up weapon and a pick and pop machine. After shooting a healthy 42.9% from deep in his first season, Leaf can be the stretch big that is so important in today’s wide open game.

While he may never develop himself into a 1 on 1 threat, T.J won’t have to (I believe this is a big part of why he struggled to find himself during summer league). Being the 3rd-5th option on the court should allow Leaf to play to his strengths without having to do too much. Even though he’s still so young, Leaf will most likely never be able to create much for himself. But playing alongside the likes of Tyreke Evans and Domantas Sabonis should go a long way in helping him find his comfort zone.

His feel for the game and straight line athleticism is NBA ready as well. Although his decision-making process will need to speed up a bit, Leaf has shown he can make the right play. While he won’t break the defense down off the dribble, the thing that may excite me the most is his ability to attack hard closeouts.

He’s a shooter first, but his drives to the rim can open up his game even more. Not to mention at only 21 years old and a full year under his belt, I expect his improvements to be noticeable.

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