Indiana Pacers: Ranking their projected backcourt over the next 5 years

No. 3 Pacers vs. Warriors

The Warriors have long been the gold standard for backcourts in the NBA. There is an argument to be made that this is an all-time elite backcourt, and thus why any list should include them. They have had tremendous success in the playoffs making multiple finals appearances and wins in the last decade. Lovingly termed the “splash brothers” they are all-time great deep threats and boast 2-time MVP Steph Curry within their ranks. How do the Pacers stack up currently?

Haliburton and Mathurin: 38.4 PT, 8.3 RB, 12.7 AST, 2.4 STL, 46% FG, 40% 3PT
Curry and Thompson: 49.1 PT, 10.2 RB, 9.3 AST, 1.9 STL, 46% FG, 42% 3PT

Clearly the Warriors have the advantage on points, rebounds, and 3-point percentage. However, where the Warriors struggle in looking at the next five years are age and injury. These two, while certainly still elite, will likely see some recession rather than growth over the next five years. While shooters tend to age well, time will ultimately cause their minutes and effectiveness on the court to decline. On top of that add the injury history of Thompson specifically, and there are a few negatives to this backcourt over the next 5 years. Luckily, they have Jordan Poole in the waiting that looks to be able to replace some of this production.

While the Pacers and Warriors don’t see each other as some others on the list, they should have the opportunity to measure themselves against the Warriors on the court over the next few years. As far as the head-to-head comparison? This is likely close to a wash, with the advantage to the Warriors given their all-time greatness and playoff success.