Indiana Pacers: One bold prediction for each starter in 2022-23

Indiana Pacers starting SG: Chris Duarte

Duarte emerges as the best non-Cunningham backcourt scorer among sophomores

Chris Duarte may have been understated lately in light of the Indiana Pacers’ new rookies, but the incoming sophomore is slated for a bigger role next season. After spending his rookie year jumping in and out of the starting unit, he should have a more cemented presence on the squad as one of the team’s primary scorers.

In fact, as long as his health permits, Duarte could end up being the best backcourt scorer among his peers, save for Detroit’s Cade Cunningham. The 25-year-old’s impeccably mature game is too much to overlook. Combine that with his solid shooting stroke and deep bag of moves, and the Pacers could have an electric shooting guard next to Haliburton.

For the number watchers, expecting Duarte to average 17-19 points per game on good volume should be reasonable. After all, despite shifting through different roles last season while missing time due to injury, he still managed to log 13.1 points in just 28 minutes per contest.