The Indiana Pacers must decide if they need Cory Joseph’s defense or can find someone else to make a bigger impact.
The summer of 2019 is shaping out to be a critical one for the Indiana Pacers as six of their players from the 2018-2019 roster will enter free agency. The Pacers will have roughly $44 million to spend which is projected to be 5th most in the NBA.
Should the Pacers retain the majority of their free agents and run it back, or should they take a risk and go after a new unit?
Cory Joseph’s been a solid defender for the Pacers, but where does he fit into the Pacers’ future plans?
Reason to keep Cory Joseph: Defensive specialist
The Pacers finished the season 4th in defensive rating across the NBA last season and a lot of it had to do with Cory Joseph.
Joseph finished the season 4th among point guards in defensive RPM. Regularly defending the team’s best player, Joseph provided value every time he stepped on the court.
While his offensive struggles were well documented, his ability to defend multiple positions was an invaluable asset to the team.
Reason to let go of Cory Joseph: Aaron Holiday
The point guard spot might look very different next season and it starts with Aaron Holiday. Holiday has made it clear he is ready for a bigger role next season, and so has the team. How does this factor into Cory Joseph, however?
More than likely, Holiday will be competing for backup minutes next season, unless he makes a massive jump to earn a starting spot. If the Pacers bring back Joseph, this will directly take away minutes that would otherwise go to Holiday.
One of two things will happen if Joseph is brought back. 1. Joseph takes the backup point guard spot, which would take minutes away from Holiday unless the Pacers plan on going very small with Holiday at the backup SG, or 2. Joseph will start, which would greatly hinder the Pacers starting lineup to score efficiently.
Are the Pacers willing to have Holiday sit on the bench for another season? My guess is not.
Final verdict: The Pacers should let Cory Joseph walk
Cory Joseph provided great value to the Pacers defensively, but at this point, the Pacers would be better off saving their cap space by giving Aaron Holiday the backup minutes.