3 reasons why the Pacers can and will make the 2020 NBA Finals
Three key off-season additions
The additions of Malcolm Brogdon, T.J. Warren and Jeremy Lamb are not to be taken for granted.
Brogdon, who was the third scoring option in Milwaukee, shot 50 percent from the field, 42 percent from three and 92 percent from the free-throw line, becoming the ninth player in NBA history to put up a 50-40-90 statline.
Averaging 15 points per game, Brogdon has a chance to be a part of the deadliest backcourt duo in the Eastern Conference along with Oladipo once he returns from injury.
Brogdon is a top three catch-and-shoot guard in the NBA who can knock down shots contested or uncontested. His ability to make plays finish at the rim through contact elevates the Pacers chances to finish as a top-five team in drawn fouls.
Lamb, Warren and Brogdon are streaky shooters who can create looks for themselves and minimize the scoring load expected of Oladipo.
Warren, who averaged 18 points, makes up for what former Pacer Bojan Bogdanovic brought. He’s athletic, shifty and shot 42 percent from deep last year. He can pass while also looking to get an easy bucket as a high-tempo scorer.
If Warren has the momentum to get going offensively, it’ll allow other scorers on the floor to feed off his energy. The Pacers lacked guys that could provide that sparkplug, and Warren’s presence will be much appreciated.
Lamb brings an unorthodox shooting skillset where he’s reliable to knock down shots off-balance. Most players struggle with defending Lamb because his ISO pump fake transitions into lethal shot selections when he gets to the basket.
All three of these acquisitions are 80 percent or better free-throw shooters — they have the efficiency and natural scoring ability for the Pacers to take a step forward next year, especially on the road, where Indiana has plenty of wins to make up for (19-22 last season away from Bankers life).
Integrating two of the three into the starting lineup will help Myles Turner focus his game as a rim protector, with less pressure to be the guy on offense. There will be no need for Turner to force perimeter shots because these additions will make up for what he’s been unable to do in his first few years in the league. If he can make a breakthrough offensively, that’s icing on the cake.