Indiana Pacers: Ranking 3 best candidates to replace TJ Warren in the starting 5

Despite missing the postseason last season, the Indiana Pacers remained relatively the same heading into the 2021-22 campaign. Banking on a cleaner bill of health bannered by the return of the team’s injured key players, sticking to their guns in the offseason wasn’t at all surprising, but even that scenario is now off the table.

Following news of TJ Warren’s slower than anticipated recovery from a foot injury that sidelined him for most of last season derailing his status to begin the year, the Pacers will once again kick off their campaign with bandages and then some. While the scoring forward is far from an All-Star, he’s one of the league’s better small forwards and most efficient scorers. Combine that with his improved defense, and you’ll see why absence last season was a big factor why the team stumbled in the East.

What options do the Indiana Pacers have to fill Warren’s hole?

Barring an 11th hour trade, which seems very unlikely at this point, the Indiana Pacers appear to be quite thin in the tweener role, an important position in today’s game. However, the Blue and Gold is better equipped to mend Warren’s absence from the starting unit than last season, especially with new coach Rick Carlisle bringing his proven mettle to the team.

Fortunately, the Pacers will trot out one of the better second units in the league next season, supplying them with a unique cushion to absorb seemingly inevitable injuries here and there. Without further ado, here are the three best candidates to replace the injured TJ Warren’s spot in the starting lineup.