Micah Potter isn't going to be the Indiana Pacers' next great center, but he can play. And he is continuing to prove that as the end of Indiana's season approaches.
During the Pacers' 117-108 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Apr. 5, Potter got the start and made the most of it, recording 21 points (tied for team-high with Obi Toppin) on 6-for-10 shooting, 12 rebounds, and four assists in 30 minutes.
The recently turned 28-year-old has had a lot of good games in a Pacers uniform this season (19 points and 12 rebounds against the Brooklyn Nets on Feb. 11, 23 points and 9-for-11 shooting against the Philadelphia 76ers on Feb. 24, and 21 points on 5-for-6 shooting from deep against the Miami Heat on Mar. 29), but this may be his best one.
Potter has proven time and time again that he can provide value to the Pacers (even in a down season), and even if his role would inevitably shrink once Ivica Zubac is healthy again, it would still be worth it to keep him around.
Micah Potter can provide value to the Pacers
Potter has a $2.8 million team option for next season, and Indiana should pick it up. This salary would make him the fourth-least expensive player on the roster next season (though Jay Huff, Johnny Furphy, and Kam Jones aren't far behind), and given what he brings to the table, this should be an easy decision for the Pacers.
The Ohio native is a fantastic stretch big (he is shooting a career-high 43.5 3FG% this season on 3.4 attempts per game), but he is more than just someone who can knock down some threes. He can rebound, play with a lot of energy, and be physical. He's also just a smart basketball player who knows how to contribute to winning basketball.
After his game against the 76ers on Feb. 24, Potter spoke about what he brings to the table and why he's an asset to the Pacers.
"Bring energy. Be a connector on the floor. Use my voice, set physical screens, or teams are starting to switch more often now, so creating angles for my teammates and for myself on screening. Hitting open shots. Making the right play. Playing winning basketball as best as I possibly can," Potter said.
"I know the situation we're in as far as guys being injured and things like that, so roles will change based on different lineups. But when I'm in the game, I try to play winning basketball as best I can, be physical, use my voice, and try to help my teammates and create for my teammates."
Potter isn't ever going to be an All-Star, but if he's the third-best center on the Pacers' roster (and you could maybe argue the second-best), then they're in a good spot.