Yes, it's that into the offseason.
I'll be honest, guys: I wrote this one while in a coffee shop, working from home with my partner, whom I asked, "What do you think [Indiana] Pacers fans want to read about?" She responded, "I don't know, Lord of the Rings maybe?"
So this is that piece. Let's compare the Pacers roster to the characters and plot of the Lord of the Rings franchise. Some of these comparisons may be built around aesthetics, while others will convey some actual thoughts, but all of it will be authentically, celebratorily weird.
Let's get into it.
Frodo Baggins as Tyrese Haliburton
I think the only question here was whether Tyrese would be Bilbo or Frodo. The two protagonists of the Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings (we're already getting into contentious territory of whether these should be including in the same conversations) both carry the joy but also the difficulty of being a hero.
Frodo was the better option for one reason alone: his reliance on other people.
While Bilbo was a selfish young hobbit who became a very selfish old hobbit, Frodo was only able to cast away the one ring because of the help of his friends. Haliburton has spoken about how helpful it has been to have Damian Lillard and Jayson Tatum to discuss rehab strategies with, and how excited he is to rejoin his teammates. That feels Frodo-like.
Gandalf as TJ McConnell
While McConnell may have the build of Gollum, his role as the elder statesman of this team makes him very Gandalf-like. All knowing, relied upon, and frequently offering a stern word of warning or encouragement seems quite like him.
There was some consideration for Thorin here, as the glue that holds the band together, and making TJ a dward would be funny, but there's such a level of mentorship apparent in every word we hear from McConnell.
Now 34 years of age, the Pacers will have to find a replacement for him soon, but how could the Shire ever replace the mighty Gandalf the Grey?
Legolas as Kelly Oubre Jr.
Yeah, yeah, I know, the elven archer with impossible aim should be a shooter, but let me offer you this:
Wouldn't it be better to fit Legolas to a player so heartwarmingly cocky, who has a history of playing for a rival of the Pacers, and has overcome said bickering to be a hearty ally? I certainly think so.
To add to the fact, Legolas is described as having striking eyes, something Orlando Bloom was able to deliver on. Not to make this a question of looks, but have you seen Kelly Oubre's eyes? They are majestic.
No, as the Pacers start one of the most important seasons in franchise history, we can only hope that they have the strength of character, improvization, and sheer luck that the Hobbits had in their search to save the world.
While those Hobbits sought to destroy a ring, these Pacers will look to bring one home.
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