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

Free agency addition Torrey Craig gives the Indiana Pacers another defensive enforcer in the starting unit

After last season’s collapse for the Indiana Pacers as a defensive unit, the front office quickly snagged defensive stalwart Torrey Craig in the offseason following Doug McDermott’s exit from the Circle City. Tabbed as a luxury addition to ease TJ Warren back, the bulky tweener should be in line for a major role in the rotation given the latter’s indefinite absence.

Craig is not necessarily a substantial needle mover for the Pacers, but they won’t need him to be one. As an ideal replacement for Warren in the opening group, he could help bring Indiana back to the upper echelon on defense with his physical and versatile profile as a defender. Against the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant, among others, he could very well be the team’s best bet to slow them down.

On the secondary, his steady three-point shot should be enough to keep defenders honest while his low-usage will provide for more clarity for the Pacers’ pecking order on offense. Combine that with his intangibles and defense, and you’re looking at an alternative who may eventually turn out to be a staple in the rotation down the road.