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Indiana Pacers: T.J. Leaf may finally be getting his opportunity

By Luke Parrish

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 08: T.J. Leaf #22 of the Indiana Pacers is seen during the game against the Detroit Pistons at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 8, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 08: T.J. Leaf #22 of the Indiana Pacers is seen during the game against the Detroit Pistons at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 8, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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Former first-round pick T.J. Leaf may finally make an impact for the Indiana Pacers.

The Indiana Pacers have not given T.J. Leaf much of a shot since he entered the NBA in 2017. Under Nate McMillan, Leaf failed to average more than nine minutes per game and only appeared in 139 total games over three seasons. Most of his minutes came as a result of a blowout or an injury in the frontcourt.

Indiana picked up Leaf’s fourth-year option prior to last season, guaranteeing him roughly $4.3 million in 2020-21. With McMillan gone, perhaps Leaf will finally get a chance to play a role. JaKarr Sampson is a free agent, leaving a potential opening in the second unit for Leaf next season.

While Leaf hasn’t been super productive in the NBA, he has made good use of his limited minutes. He is averaging a respectable 13.9 points per 36 minutes. Last season, he had a career-best 7.8 rebounds per 36 minutes, giving him a similar efficiency to Myles Turner and Goga Bitadze.

He played a season-high 21 minutes in a November win over the Bulls where he scored 13 points and added 15 rebounds. Nine of his 15 boards came on the offensive end of the floor. His energy and willingness to crash the offensive glass have always stood out when watching T.J. Leaf.

Leaf has flashed his ability to stretch the floor, knocking down 42.9 percent of his threes during his rookie campaign. Over his entire career, Leaf is hitting 34.1 percent of his threes. One big concern, however, is Leaf’s inability to knock down free throws. He has converted just 57.1 percent of his career attempts.

Nate Bjorkgren may be able to get Leaf involved on both ends of the floor and actually see what he can bring to the rotation. He has a chance to step in and play in the second unit while Jeremy Lamb recovers from injury.

It is fair to be upset with Leaf’s production up to this point, especially when looking at the players that were drafted after him in 2017. However, the Pacers will have him on the roster in 2020-21 with one final shot to prove he belongs in the league. Can he make the most of it?

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