The Indiana Pacers have a very strong starting five.
After staying patient in the offseason, the Indiana Pacers return all five starters from last year’s team. Victor Oladipo and Myles Turner both remain on the roster after an offseason full of trade rumors and speculation.
This year’s squad brings back a ton of experience and a lot of talent that was not fully tapped until the end of last season. Here is a ranking of all five starters for Indiana in 2020-21.
No. 5: Myles Turner
Myles Turner being the fifth-best starter is a great situation to be in. Turner, the defensive anchor of the team, may finally take the next step on the offensive end of the floor as Nate Bjorkgren takes over at head coach. Increasing Turner’s shooting volume and role in the offense will take his game to another level.
This is also not a slight towards Myles Turner. I am a huge advocate for Turner’s growth and involvement on both ends of the floor but the Pacers have a very talented starting lineup. With two All-Stars and two players on the cusp of that feat, Turner is a very quality fifth option.
If Turner does take on a new role this season and find a larger role in the offense, he could climb this ranking drastically. For now, he sits at the bottom of the list thanks to playing alongside a very efficient group.
No. 4: Victor Oladipo
Oladipo was rumored in trade talks and speculation before Indiana even departed for the bubble at the end of last season. After public statements and lack of true denial, Oladipo never really shook the speculation and it felt as if he was going to be gone by the time the 2020 NBA Draft rolled around. Instead, he returns to Indiana for the final season of his contract.
Prior to his injury two years ago, Oladipo was playing at an All-Star level for the Pacers and was named an All-Star as a result. Since returning, however, Vic simply has not been the same player. He struggled mightily at times last season, especially with taking care of the ball and knocking down shots at a high clip.
If he can return to his old self, Oladipo can be the best player on this team without a doubt. But for now, I have him ranked as the fourth-best starter since I still have questions regarding his play after injuries have set him back a bit.
Oladipo is still a very sound defender with the potential to be a force on the offensive end as well. Unless T.J. Warren takes a significant step back this season, though, I do not see Oladipo being a huge offensive leader for this team.
No. 3: Malcolm Brogdon
The Pacers completed a sign-and-trade last offseason with the Bucks to acquire Malcolm Brogdon. Brogdon had a career-year with the Pacers, averaging 16.5 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.9 rebounds in his first year with the blue and gold. He did it all for Indiana but battled injuries throughout the season, which slowed down his production and the team’s success a bit.
I really enjoy watching Brogdon with Domantas Sabonis on the offensive end of the floor and I think that pairing can be very good moving forward. If Brogdon can stay healthy, he is in a great position for the upcoming season. With Warren emerging as a lethal scorer, Brogdon has plenty of options at his disposal.
Brogdon will not make flashy plays that get fans excited on a consistent basis but he plays a very smart and efficient brand of basketball for Indiana. Hopefully, a second season with the Pacers will help Brogdon form some chemistry and we will see his game elevate everyone that is next to him.
This season will be huge for Brogdon, and he could be the key that unlocks a playoff series win for the Pacers.
No. 2: T.J. Warren
The NBA world saw T.J. Warren take center stage on two occasions last season. His scuffle and ensuing feud with Jimmy Butler put plenty of focus on Warren near the end of the season. In the bubble, Warren erupted for 53 points in a win against the 76ers, putting his name in the hat for bubble MVP.
Warren was Indiana’s leading scorer last season, notching 19.8 points per game and finding his rhythm at the end of the year. As he prepares for his second season in Indiana, there is no reason to believe Warren will not be the go-to guy once again this time around.
I see Warren finally reaching the milestone of 20 points per game and once again leading the Pacers on that end of the floor. His ability to knock down shots from all three levels gives this team a huge boost.
If Warren takes another step in the right direction on the defensive end, he could easily be the best player on the team. For now, being the second-best starter is a fair and honorable spot for the second-year Pacer.
No. 1: Domantas Sabonis
After missing the playoffs with an injury, Domantas Sabonis is set to return to the Pacers as the star he has proven to be. Sabonis, an All-Star last season, has quickly become one of the best big men in the game.
Last season, Sabonis posted a remarkable 18.5 points. 12.4 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game while playing in a two-big system. By far the best rebounder on the team, Sabonis is a menace on the glass and helps immensely in getting the team into transition offense.
Sabonis is a gifted passer as well. His ability to kick it out to the perimeter or find cutting teammates was on full display last season. Sabonis will be the engine that keeps the Pacers going this season, provided he stays healthy. With Turner helping him on the defensive end, Sabonis should be in line for another huge year in Indiana.
Indiana looked lost without Sabonis in the bubble as he recovered from injury but his presence will make them a threat once again this season. He can truly do it all, which is not easy for a big man. I cannot wait to see how he begins his season.