The Indiana Pacers could have four 20 PPG scorers next season

Coming off a down year in 2021, the Indiana Pacers could have an explosive offense with Rick Carlisle taking over as head coach. They averaged 115.3 points per game last season despite several key players missing extended time.

With everyone healthy to begin the upcoming season, Indiana could have four players who average over 20 points per game. If that is the case, it will be difficult to beat the Pacers on any given night, especially if their defense improves.

Will the Indiana Pacers score a ton next season?

One of the most skilled big men in the game, Domantas Sabonis is coming off a career year that saw him average over 20 points, 12 rebounds, and 6.5 assists. As the team’s leader on offense last season, he earned an All-Star appearance and some All-NBA votes. Sabonis is the go-to guy down low and has developed a bit of an outside shot.

If Sabonis can continue stepping out and spacing the floor, especially in stretches with Myles Turner off the floor, he will be right back in the All-Star conversation. He may have to share the wealth a bit but Sabonis will be a vital piece for Indiana’s offense.

Last season, Indiana had three players that finished the season with 20 points per game. Sabonis, Caris LeVert, and Malcolm Brogdon all made sure to contribute on offense when they were available.

T.J. Warren, who missed most of the season with a foot injury, led the team with 19.8 points per game in the year prior and will be hungry to prove himself in 2021-22. That alone gives Indiana four players who are capable of leading the way on offense and going off for a big night whenever they are called upon.

The main concern with that group is how they will fit with each other. Warren and LeVert have not played together and their desire to handle the ball could interfere with the other guy, so that’s certainly worth monitoring in the early stages of the season.

Malcolm Brogdon will be the primary point guard unless a major trade occurs in the next two months. He shined last season as a good cutter and spot-up shooter who made some noise behind the three-point line. He connected on 38.8 percent of his attempts from deep to help him reach 21.2 points per contest.

Caris LeVert became the late-game killer and go-to scorer thanks to his willingness to attack the rim and seek contact. Having another mid-range weapon to pair with Warren should be a fun treat for Pacers fans next season.

While I do have some worries about LeVert and Warren clogging things inside a tad, there’s no reason to expect them to sort things out as the season progresses. Both guys are very capable of getting hot and each has gone for over 50 points in the past two seasons, so Indiana has some fireworks in their pockets.

T.J. Warren has proven to be a very good scorer from all three levels, hitting on 40.3 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc in 2019-20. If he can get back to his old self and be an efficient scorer in his contract season, he will earn himself quite the payday.

It is extremely unlikely that the Pacers will have four players who can average at least 20 points per game if they are all healthy long enough to qualify for that sort of recognition. A big part of their individual success came from other guys being out and having a larger opportunity or weight to carry.

The upcoming NBA season should be an exciting one for Pacers fans as long as the core can stay on the court together. If injuries run rampant again, it will be a very disappointing season for Indiana.