While the Indiana Pacers are off to a rough start in the 2021-22 NBA season, with a not-so-sterling record of 1-3 after four games, there has been no scarcity of positive takeaways from the team. Playing big minutes amidst the team’s injuries, rookie wingman Chris Duarte has been one of the club’s main luminaries despite their losing record.
Across four contests, the 24-year-old is averaging 19.8 points. 4.8 rebounds and two assists per game on 41.2/44.8/100 percent shooting splits in 38.3 minutes per outing. While his playing time will surely come down to earth as injured starters Caris LeVert and TJ Warren returns, there’s no doubt that his rise will surely factor into how the Pacers front office maneuvers throughout the year.
Chris Duarte’s rise could push the Indiana Pacers front office into making some tough decisions this season
The Indiana Pacers, however, have an abundance of wing players on the roster who all warrant playing time. Problem is, of course, you can only play so many bodies on a given night, and thinning the herd could cure this problem while ensuring that the team can maximize their value and net some assets in return.
Chris Duarte, easily one of the early frontrunners for the Rookie of the Year award, will certainly be a fixture on the Pacers for the long-term. With his ascent in his first year, here are the three most tradeable players on the roster this season.