What does T.J. Warren bring to the table for the Indiana Pacers?
Lineup Versatility
As we previously touched on, Warren provides the Pacers with additional lineup flexibility. In each of his first four seasons, he played no less than 63 percent of his minutes at the small forward spot. Last season, the forward was shifted to the four and spent 99% of his time there.
In the scenario where he’s playing at the three, the 25-year-old has shown he can get to the rim; thirty percent of his two-point attempts came within three feet of the basket last year, and he scored on 67.2% of those shots. On the other hand, his position in Phoenix’s lineup and three-point shooting certainly helped him showcase his versatility as a stretch-four. That should be amplified alongside the Pacers’ roster.
If Coach Nate McMillan opted to start Jeremy Lamb at the three upon Oladipo’s return, Warren could immediately relieve either Sabonis or Turner and play alongside the other. When the other big man is sent to the bench, the 6-foot-8 forward could remain at the four or shift over to small forward.
His size and length allow him to guard multiple positions and he can space the floor offensively regardless of his placement in the rotation. As noted earlier in the article, he was able to notch his best season from deep in the first season he played as a power forward.
As the Pacers begin without their leader, Warren will start at the three next to a Sabonis/Turner front-court. He spent a majority of his time at the three prior to last season, and his athleticism allows him a smooth transition between the two lineup spots. In a lineup with good passers in Brogdon, Sabonis, and eventually their starting shooting guard, the former Phoenix Sun should benefit from his ability to cut past his man to the basket.
Even when Oladipo is back in action, McMillan could opt to utilize the 6-foot-8 forward at the three in a length-focused rotation. Younger and more athletic than Bogdanovic, the Pacers’ new addition will fit in well with Indiana’s defensive juggernaut of a squad.