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Let’s rethink the Indiana Pacers trading Darren Collison idea

By Jonathan Matthes

SACRAMENTO, CA - DECEMBER 1: Darren Collison #2 of the Indiana Pacers looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on December 1, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - DECEMBER 1: Darren Collison #2 of the Indiana Pacers looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on December 1, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 10: The Indiana Pacers huddle before the game against the Washington Wizards on December 10, 2018  Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 10: The Indiana Pacers huddle before the game against the Washington Wizards on December 10, 2018  Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images) /

What this means going forward

A player exiting a slump is like exchanging a bad player for his much better doppelganger. And this is why you should second-guess trading him away. If/when Victor Oladipo returns (and assuming he plays at or near his all-star level) he will resume his mantle of being the unquestioned number one option for the Indiana Pacers. The secondary options are also becoming clearly defined. Bojan Bogdanovic has shown no indications that his career year is slowing down. Myles Turner (14.4 ppg and 9.6 reg since Nov. 26) has begun to play like fans have long hoped. Those are where the bulk of the Indiana Pacers’ shots will come from (at least from the starters).

That’s not going to leave too many shots for the other two players sharing the floor with Oladipo, Bogdanovic, and Turner. So, the remaining ones need to fit roles that the leading trio do not occupy. Like Thad Young, taking the tough defensive assignment, converting mop up baskets, and doing all the little things that lazy fans blissfully miss. For Darren Collison, this role is safely setting up his teammates, spacing the floor, and jumping passing lanes.

Oladipo doesn’t really need a point guard setting up his shots. It doesn’t hurt but it’s not a pressing necessity. But Bogdanovic (even with his vastly improved driving game) could use a setup pass every now and again, and Turner definitely needs to be assisted. And then there are moments like on Monday night against Washington were a savvy veteran needs to step up to change the tide of the game. Cory Joseph and Aaron Holiday, God bless them, are not at that point in their careers. Collison is.

Both Joseph and Holiday are younger (duh). Both add a ton to the Indiana Pacers. Joseph just fits every facet of the Indiana offensive and defensive schemes. Holiday provides instant offense. But there’s a reason Joseph has come off the bench in 82% of the games he’s played in his career, and likewise, Holiday’s not going to gain a decade of NBA experience in a month.

Joseph’s recent numbers have begun to regress to his mean. Holiday’s boom or bust offensive performances scream rookie; a good rookie, but a rookie nevertheless. In their accustomed roles, both Joseph and Holiday will continue to be valuable additions to the Pacers and thrive: Joseph as the third guard, Holiday as the spark plug. But if you removed Collison from the equation and just elevated Joseph and Holiday the team would be worse.

dark. Next. Hey Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis finished a game together! Yay!

And that’s the point, what we all have before us is this 2018-19 Indiana Pacers team. As recent NBA history has shown us the future is nearly impossible to read. It could be effervescently bright, or this could be all there is. The best thing the Pacers could do is put forth the best Indiana Pacers team possible, and take on whatever may come. Without Collison, the Pacers will be without the key facilitator and veteran presence they need, especially now that it looks like his slump is finally over.

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