3 exciting Pacers players to monitor for the 2022-23 season
By Zach Pearson
Chris Duarte is a fascinating piece in next year’s roster. After watching him play in that first summer league game against the Charlotte Hornets, it is clear that he has improved and will add on both sides of the ball.
Neat montage of Chris Duarte’s off-season workouts. Posted today:#Pacers pic.twitter.com/SJhyTHUX5i
— Zach Pearson (@zapearsonNBA) July 27, 2022
Entering his second season I will be most interested to see how he is utilized in different lineups. Does he start every game, and if so, does that put Buddy Hield on the bench? Hield makes a lot of money to be in the second unit, but it makes more sense directionally for the team with him in that unit.
Duarte impressed Pacers fans right away with his wild buzzer-beaters in summer league during his rookie season. We thought he would never miss one. He carried that momentum right into his first career game where he scored 27 points and made six of his nine three-point shots.
His shot-making ability impressed me throughout his 2021-22 campaign. Heading into this season, I am looking for a continuation of that skill set as well as consistency from the field which I believe he can do with ease. With the toe injury seemingly behind him, I can not wait to see what he adds to his on-court production in year two.