Indiana Pacers: 5 storylines to watch for in training camp

Who will sneak into the starting lineup for the Indiana Pacers?

On the flip side, the continued absence of some of the Indiana Pacers’ key players opens up a lot of opportunities for the team’s other crops to test their mettle and possibly be promoted to the starting lineup on the interim. With Warren and LeVert possibly missing meaningful games to begin the campaign, two starting spots may very well be up for grabs.

I have already tackled who could supplant Warren in the starting five assuming that he’s unavailable to begin the season. However, aside from the likes of Justin Holiday and new addition Torrey Craig, it would be interesting if the coaching staff gives the early nod to rookie Chris Duarte or employ Oshae Brissett, though his touches will significantly be lesser with the starters. Still, he is a multifaceted forward who can give the team a lot of shapeshifting capabilities, a big plus for a club trying to augment its defense.

For the shooting guard position, coach Carlisle will have a lot of options. He can go with Duarte, who is easily one of the team’s best three-point shooters, Jeremy Lamb, who already started for the team two seasons ago or even Holiday, who’s a natural shooting guard early in his career. Don’t be surprised either if he opts for a more unconventional look and move Malcolm Brogdon to the 2 while starting TJ McConnell in the point guard slot, though doing so will rid the second unit of its catalyst.