Indiana Pacers: 4 questions that will be answered in Orlando
By Josh Wilson
Pacers focus in Orlando: Who is important on this roster?
The Pacers aren’t star-studded by any means. Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis are both convincing All-Stars, and Myles Turner is one of the league’s best rim protectors.
That said, beyond them, the talent level drops off considerably. Malcolm Brogdon is a true professional but has taken a big step back with an increased role. The bench crew is lovable, but certainly not the greatest in the NBA. The team has almost everyone under contract heading into next season, but has a clear window to retool and repurpose itself around its core shortly after that.
Justin Holiday has stepped up all season long and looks to be a piece of the future alongside his brother Aaron. His length and defensive versatility have allowed him to prove his worth in defending positions 1-through-4 in various situations. He’ll be a major underrated weapon in the postseason.
Beyond Holiday, the Pacers should also keep an eye on the other fringe players. The ones that aren’t necessarily considered to be locks as building blocks for the future, but that could make a case for such a position as the team pushes onward.
Those players will make their presence known in the postseason, and it’s important to recognize that. When the stakes are highest in Orlando, who will step up?
T.J. McConnell has done so with the Sixers in the past. Aaron Holiday figures to be primed for a big jump next season, and he could flash some of what’s ahead with the remainder of this year. Doug McDermott could show his worth when 3-pointers matter most.
The playoffs are for figuring out who is who.