Indiana Pacers: A deal to acquire a former Pacer for Jeremy Lamb

Why the Indiana Pacers and Thaddeus Young should both pursue a reunion

More than the familiarity that the Indiana Pacers and Thaddeus Young present to each other, the 14-year veteran is a consummate professional who can immediately bolster the roster both on and off the court. The 6’8, 235lb bruiser is a versatile forward who can play both forward positions, as well as the five in small spurts.

Young’s versatility can arm the Blue and Gold with an ideal partner for both Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis. Having already played with them, the chemistry is already there. Also, his defense and physicality complement both of their skillsets well, allowing Indiana to trot out flexible combinations in the frontcourt when the need to play small-ball arises without compromising size and rim protection.

In addition, another number that struck me in his stat line in the recently concluded campaign is his 4.3 assists per game. His playmaking has simply risen to unprecedented levels, serving as a constant option for Chicago as a playmaker out of the high post. Even more impressive is the fact that he tallied a career-high in dimes despite playing the second least minutes per game in his career. This will be an optimal boost to Indiana’s offense which already ranks second in the league.

While he’s not much of a shooter, only attempting less than one triple per outing this year, Young has always been a utility player who can be easily plugged into situations. Ideally, he can serve as one of the team’s main pieces on the second unit, entering the game early to accommodate Turner and Sabonis’ staggered minutes.

Alas, just imagine the havoc that a second unit which should comprise of TJ McConnell, Justin Holiday, Doug McDermott, Oshae Brissett and Thaddeus Young can wreak on opponents. That quintet has “bench mob” written all over it.