What is the best defensive lineup for the new-look Indiana Pacers?

Brogdon, Oladipo, Lamb, Holiday, Turner

Jeremy Lamb hasn’t received the good graces of the NBA media or fans for his defensive effort, but after his breakout offensive season last year, his defense did quietly improve.

Lamb ranked in the top 15 last season in both defensive player impact plus/minus and defensive real plus/minus among shooting guards, and while the Hornets were a dumpster fire on defense last year, they did allow 2.6 fewer points per 100 possessions when Lamb was on the floor. That’s a start.

Toss in his 6’11” wingspan, and Lamb should be able to guard wings. A lot of that is vested in the defensive teachings of McMillan/Burke, but the tools are all there. Given the Pacers’ limited options, he’ll probably have to take on some wing-defending duties after Oladipo returns from injury.

This move also slots Brogdon back to his natural position of defending point guards, where his size wreaks havoc on smaller players. He doesn’t have the lateral quickness to keep up with the more explosive guards in the league, but that’s what Oladipo is right next to him for.

Holiday at the four still doesn’t seem like the most appealing option, and the Pacers may still find a minimum guy who can fill out that spot a bit more cleanly on defense. But for now, this is a reasonable expectation of what their defensive lineup might look like, especially if Lamb can take another step forward defensively.

But, you want more wingspan, you say? Alright, fine…