(Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)
In his absence, the club has discovered several other scoring options, including Brandon Rush and the use of Ford and Jack as a backcourt duo.
It's very likely, and actually quite anticipated by a large portion of the Pacer fan base, that when Dunleavy does return, he could be auditioned for trade bait to a contending team so that the team can rid itself of his contract. This does, of course, seem much easier said than done.
5. We Have Contact...and Lots of It
As far as the returning roster, the biggest concern for the Pacer coaching staff must be in teaching Roy Hibbert how to play defense without mugging people.
Hibbert was third on the team in fouls last season, but ninth in minutes played, averaging 3.1 and 14.4, respectively.
Extrapolating Hibbert's stat line last season out to a per-36-minutes average, the figures look very impressive.
17.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.7 blocks...and 7.7 fouls.
Last time we checked, the NBA only allowed six fouls per game, which would (and last season, did) result in a lot of short nights for Roy.
If he can learn when to position himself correctly and not always go for the block, Roy carries the potential to be a very good NBA center. Until then, however, he'll be pacing (pun intended) back and forth between the court and bench like an expectant father pacing the hospital waiting room.
Another 35- or 36-win season may very well cost Jim O'Brien his job, which would be a bit of a shame.
The Pacers are taking their lumps and building some strong young talent, much as they did in the late 1980s, when their persistent mediocrity had some wags calling them "the Indianapolis .500's."
O'Brien and Larry Bird have several very good pieces in place, and this offseason may the final hurdle to the team getting back into May.
Alternatively, it could also lead to another season of 28th-ranked attendance, and the start of the NBA's triumphant return to Western Canada.
No pressure.
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