Analyzing the Indiana Pacers’ depth chart post-free agency

The Shooting Guards

Shooting Guard: Victor Oladipo, Jeremy Lamb, Justin Holiday, Edmond Sumner, Brian Bowen II

This is one of the most intriguing positions for the Indiana Pacers due to the absence of Oladipo for about half of the season. Even when he does return, it is doubtful he will start right away. Fortunately, The Pacers were able to nab Jeremy Lamb from the Charlotte Hornets in free agency to start while Oladipo is gone.

Lamb is coming off of his best season, averaging 15.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.1 steals. He is not necessarily great at one specific area on offense, but he is a threat to score the ball on any given night and is a reliable option. He, similar to Brogdon, can create shots himself from just about anywhere on the floor. He shot 44 percent from 16 feet to the three-point line and 35 percent from deep last season. A problem which could occur is his fit in the starting rotation as he doesn’t typically pass when he drives to the hoop, which could cause concern for spacing with both Sabonis and Turner in the lineup.

When Oladipo does return to the starting lineup, the bench will become much better as they will have a proven scorer in Lamb as their sixth man to go alongside the Holiday brothers. With regards to Oladipo, he will most likely not be his old self in his first season back, and no one knows if he will have those same explosive legs which made him so dominant.

Now it is safe to say that the defense should improve when Oladipo returns as he will always have active hands and be able to steal the ball. This means Indiana should be in transition more with him on the floor.

Justin Holiday should serve as the Pacers’ backup two until the two-time all-star returns. He will be brought on as a 3-and-D player off of the bench and will most likely be competing with Doug McDermott for a spot in the rotation once Oladipo returns.