Pacers set sail with no Admiral leading the voyage!
Jun 19, 2017 15:36:36 GMT
Post by saspurs on Jun 19, 2017 15:36:36 GMT
Pacers won 61 games last year, and somewhat cruised to the East finals, only to be embarrassed and swept off the floor by the eventual champs in the Bulls.
Decisions had to be made as salary cap constraints made it very difficult to field a roster over the Towers that could compete with the Bulls. (Although now with FA almost over, several vets are all going for minimums, so it maybe was do-able)
Anyways, with Hakeem signed for two more years.....the decision to move David Robinson in a S&T was made, and the Utah Jazz came up with a package to send Alonzo Mourning, Magic Johnson, and Lucious Harris for Robinson rights if he signed. The deal was made, and although unpopular....it was a deal that gives Pacers a good young Center in Zo that can be built around when Hakeem's contract is up. Money will be available to resign Zo and Kukoc if so desired...as Magic contract expires. It might not work out and the trade will be looked back at as a terrible deal. But getting swept made it that something should be attempted.
PG:
Magic Johnson: GAH 'mediocre' player..meaning he never has seemed to quite fit in PG role in GAH. Magic is going to bounce around at 1, 2, and 3...but given starter minutes to try and be a force for this team. Bigger risk in the trade then Zo.
Haywoode Workman: Had an 'ok' season, but didn't blossom into a legit full time starting PG that we had hoped. Used Rickey Green again in playoffs as Haywoode was killed by the Glove. He should see good minutes though given Magic isn't always playing point.
Bobby Hurley: What to do...what to do. Do we play him and try and develop is playmaking....giving up defense?
Robert Pack: A nice young PG with some offensive skills. Still not a true playmaker, but much better then Hurley for scoring.
SG:
Sarunas Marciulionis: Another reason that Admiral was dealt was to possibly open up the Pacers offense more then just a post team. Sarunas was brought in last year to provide the outside game and non-post scoring, but never happened. He will get another chance to be a consistent perimeter scorer for the squad.
Lucious Harris: A decent young player with some skill set. Time will be the question, as Magic will play '2' as well when Sarunas is resting most likely.
SF:
Toni Kukoc: Kukoc came in two years ago and solidified the wing position, helping take the Pacers to the crown. He still is the same consistent wing on both ends. No change here as to Kukoc getting high minutes.
Harvey Grant: Young player with some decent skills, and was brought in for nominal dollars to backup Kukoc. Magic will also see time at '3', so Grant will be limited in time.
Tracy Murray: Young 3pt gunner....that will most likely not see much court time.....but could be called in if/when we need bench range.
PF:
Roy Hinson: The last year of Roy's contract. He backed up both Towers at C and PF over the past two years, but will be relegated to backup PF behind Zo.
Tom Chambers: Offense-only player.....he saw time last year at PF and SF...but is down in the depth now to be emergency use.
C:
Hakeem Olajuwon: Same dominant player as always, more-so on defense. But he can drop 20pts in each night.
Alonzo Mourning: The new 'Tower'. Posted strong numbers in New Orleans already, and is a defensive gem. A little less on offense then Admiral, but that was desired....to balance the team out. Will play almost exclusively at PF.
Alton Lister: A stalwart for the Bulls champs....comes in and rebounds and plays defense. Will backup Hakeem mostly.
**One roster spot still open....Pacers targeting one person, but if missed,might leave the slot open heading into season.
Overall Guesstimate: I think this team still can post 50+ wins. All depends on how/if Magic meshes into the lineup given he will be playing three positions
Proposed Starting Lineup: Hakeem Olajuwon - Alonzo Mourning - Toni Kukoc - Sarunas Marciulionis - Magic Johnson
***Teams should have consistent foul issues against this lineup....given the DrawFouls for these five rate out at: 56-80-40-68-60
Decisions had to be made as salary cap constraints made it very difficult to field a roster over the Towers that could compete with the Bulls. (Although now with FA almost over, several vets are all going for minimums, so it maybe was do-able)
Anyways, with Hakeem signed for two more years.....the decision to move David Robinson in a S&T was made, and the Utah Jazz came up with a package to send Alonzo Mourning, Magic Johnson, and Lucious Harris for Robinson rights if he signed. The deal was made, and although unpopular....it was a deal that gives Pacers a good young Center in Zo that can be built around when Hakeem's contract is up. Money will be available to resign Zo and Kukoc if so desired...as Magic contract expires. It might not work out and the trade will be looked back at as a terrible deal. But getting swept made it that something should be attempted.
PG:
Magic Johnson: GAH 'mediocre' player..meaning he never has seemed to quite fit in PG role in GAH. Magic is going to bounce around at 1, 2, and 3...but given starter minutes to try and be a force for this team. Bigger risk in the trade then Zo.
Haywoode Workman: Had an 'ok' season, but didn't blossom into a legit full time starting PG that we had hoped. Used Rickey Green again in playoffs as Haywoode was killed by the Glove. He should see good minutes though given Magic isn't always playing point.
Bobby Hurley: What to do...what to do. Do we play him and try and develop is playmaking....giving up defense?
Robert Pack: A nice young PG with some offensive skills. Still not a true playmaker, but much better then Hurley for scoring.
SG:
Sarunas Marciulionis: Another reason that Admiral was dealt was to possibly open up the Pacers offense more then just a post team. Sarunas was brought in last year to provide the outside game and non-post scoring, but never happened. He will get another chance to be a consistent perimeter scorer for the squad.
Lucious Harris: A decent young player with some skill set. Time will be the question, as Magic will play '2' as well when Sarunas is resting most likely.
SF:
Toni Kukoc: Kukoc came in two years ago and solidified the wing position, helping take the Pacers to the crown. He still is the same consistent wing on both ends. No change here as to Kukoc getting high minutes.
Harvey Grant: Young player with some decent skills, and was brought in for nominal dollars to backup Kukoc. Magic will also see time at '3', so Grant will be limited in time.
Tracy Murray: Young 3pt gunner....that will most likely not see much court time.....but could be called in if/when we need bench range.
PF:
Roy Hinson: The last year of Roy's contract. He backed up both Towers at C and PF over the past two years, but will be relegated to backup PF behind Zo.
Tom Chambers: Offense-only player.....he saw time last year at PF and SF...but is down in the depth now to be emergency use.
C:
Hakeem Olajuwon: Same dominant player as always, more-so on defense. But he can drop 20pts in each night.
Alonzo Mourning: The new 'Tower'. Posted strong numbers in New Orleans already, and is a defensive gem. A little less on offense then Admiral, but that was desired....to balance the team out. Will play almost exclusively at PF.
Alton Lister: A stalwart for the Bulls champs....comes in and rebounds and plays defense. Will backup Hakeem mostly.
**One roster spot still open....Pacers targeting one person, but if missed,might leave the slot open heading into season.
Overall Guesstimate: I think this team still can post 50+ wins. All depends on how/if Magic meshes into the lineup given he will be playing three positions
Proposed Starting Lineup: Hakeem Olajuwon - Alonzo Mourning - Toni Kukoc - Sarunas Marciulionis - Magic Johnson
***Teams should have consistent foul issues against this lineup....given the DrawFouls for these five rate out at: 56-80-40-68-60