Indiana Pacers: 4 Players that will see more playing time in the NBA Playoffs
By Josh Wilson
Just like any other team, the Indiana Pacers need to prepare as if the NBA season will resume in some way, shape, or form.
Though it looked as if the season might be canceled at some point, the COVID-19 pandemic is a rapidly evolving situation. It appears we are a long way away from life returning to complete normalcy and having spectators at NBA games like we did in early March, but there is a chance the remainder of this season continues.
It may look different. It may be in one location, such as Las Vegas, with only essential personnel that has been cleared as negative for coronavirus.
That’s up to local health officials and the league to decide. Nate McMillan and the coaching staff need to nail down rotations for the postseason.
We already discussed some players that are at risk of getting squeezed out. These are players that are likely to see an uptick in their seasonal minutes per game once the playoffs arrive.
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Doug McDermott’s shooting is much needed in the postseason for Pacers
Doug McDermott, plain and simple, is a defensive liability. He doesn’t have the frame or athletic ability to keep his opponent in front of him at all times, especially when opposing teams run the pick-and-roll.
As long as he’s on the floor with a good cast of rotational defenders, his presence is workable. Though it might be better to place him on the floor with Myles Turner, his two-man offensive game with Domantas Sabonis is incredible.
McDermott has seen just 20.0 minutes per game so far this season, but his team-leading 44.5 percent accuracy from the 3-point line is huge, and in games when defenses are locking all windows and doors, the Pacers may be forced to take more 3-point shots than they have throughout this season.
Enter McDermott.