Can Edmond Sumner work his way into the Pacers’ playoff rotation?

Edmond Sumner is a fan-favorite for the Indiana Pacers and has always made the most of his minutes in the NBA. His recent playing time has taken away from Aaron Holiday thanks to Sumner’s ability to defend and play in transition.

After playing sparingly for most of the season, Sumner has now appeared in 10 straight for the Pacers and is averaging 15.4 minutes in those games. His defensive help has been huge for Indiana as he can take on the opposing team’s best player with regular success.

Will Edmond Sumner be part of the playoff rotation?

If the Pacers improve during the back half of the season and make the playoffs, there will be a good number of fans asking for Sumner to be in the rotation. He is not afraid of the challenge that comes with guarding a star, which was the case in Friday’s win in Miami. Sumner was often seen on Jimmy Butler on the defensive end of the floor.

The Pacers are in a tough spot in terms of the roster, so there’s a bit to unpack before we can even discuss the playoff rotation. First of all, Indiana has to actually get into the postseason which is not a guarantee this season.

We also have to consider the upcoming trade deadline and how that will alter the roster. Indiana could very well add a veteran wing defender at the deadline that would take the role that best serves Sumner.

Indiana could also move one of their own assets, whether it be Jeremy Lamb or Aaron Holiday, which would then open the door for Sumner to get into the rotation a bit. The final major question mark is the return of T.J. Warren this season. If he comes back, the Pacers probably have too many bodies in the way of Sumner. If not, then Sumner has to be considered as an option.

As things stand, the Pacers have seven players that are firmly part of the playoff rotation. With the playoffs usually consisting of eight or nine-man lineups, the remaining spots are limited. Here are the locks: Turner, Sabonis, Justin Holiday, Brogdon, LeVert, McDermott, and McConnell.

Indiana could use Goga Bitadze as an extra big man but that seems unlikely given his usage up to this point. Jeremy Lamb, Edmond Sumner, and Aaron Holiday would all be competing for a handful of minutes each night. If Warren returns, I doubt any of them make the cut.