Indiana Pacers: Briefly grading each player's season so far

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Victor Oladipo, Indiana Pacers (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

Several Indiana Pacers were good, but not quite there in terms of having a considerable impact.

Victor Oladipo: B-

Victor Oladipo is another player who is hurt in large part by his inability to see much playing time this year since he was recovering from an injury until late January when he finally made his debut. We must contextualize his minutes, Oladipo was out for an entire year and only played in 13 games before the season was suspended.

The expectation for him over that period was simply getting back in the swing of things, establishing his rhythm and learning the ins and outs of the roster that looked markedly different than when he left last season.

Doug McDermott: B-

Doug McDermott’s 44.5 percent shooting from the 3-point zone leads the Pacers. His offensive proficiency is undeniable, but he sits below a B because he is one of the worst defenders on the team.

His -1.5 DBPM is third from last on the Pacers, and one of the main reasons why Nate McMillan can’t use him in more lineups and situations.

Jeremy Lamb: B-

Jeremy Lamb, who had an early exit from this season due to an ACL tear, had a so-so year. Following a 15.3 point, 5.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists per game season last year with the Charlotte Hornets, the guard has stepped back a bit following his three-year contract signed with Indy.

This season he’s averaging 12.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. His shooting has fallen from 34.8 percent beyond the arc to 33.5 percent this year, but from the field he has improved, perhaps in large part due to his mid-range attempts jumping.

That Pacers emphasis on the mid-range may be a tough adjustment for Lamb and part of the reason why he’s struggled with his shooting this year, a similar concern we’ve seen manifest with Malcolm Brogdon.

Lamb’s defense has been decent throughout the year, keeping him from a C+ here.

Here’s hoping for a speedy recovery and a comeback season for Lamb next year.

Myles Turner: B

Myles Turner hasn’t taken a step back, per se, but he hasn’t taken a step forward. The insertion of Domantas Sabonis to the starting frontcourt has certainly been an adjustment for Turner, and one that he has done an acceptable job with, but not a situation he has thrived in like Sabonis has.

At times it feels like Turner doesn’t know how to coexist with Sabonis or where his strengths lie. That’s OK, it’s something the pair needs to continue to work on and figure out.

He has been asked to take a significantly higher amount of shots beyond the arc this season, something he has been adjusting to. Pacers fans should expect a more comfortable and ready Turner next year.

Aaron Holiday: B

Aaron Holiday has impressed in his second season. We have to remember that it’s often the third year that players take the leap and show us their true potential as an NBA player.

Compared to Devonte’ Graham, yes, he’s a bit below the benchmark of his draft class, but he could very well close the gap in the coming years. We must be patient with his development.

His raw numbers have gone up, but per 36 minutes his points and rebounds are down this season (assists are up).

The reason Holiday gets a B is his effort on defense and his shooting. He’s a smaller guard, so the defensive numbers don’t look great, but he’s getting to his spots and doing what he can given the circumstances.

His shooting jumped from 33.9 percent to 39.4 percent beyond the arc this year. His scoring hasn’t improved because he’s taken a lesser amount of his shots beyond the arc this season, but that’s in large part due to him taking a more foundational role in running the offense when he’s on the floor.

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Indiana Pacers: Briefly grading each player’s season so far

By Josh Wilson | Apr 2, 2020