Indiana Pacers: Does The Second-Unit Fit The System?

The new look the Indiana Pacers have adopted includes many new players and a different system. But something that hasn't been widely talked about is the projected second unit of the Pacers, which is understandable given there are still question marks regarding the starting 5. But the second unit is rather intriguing to yours truly. So let's explore the candidates and how the fit together.

The point guard, Rodney Stuckey, appears to be the lead candidate for this position. Although he generally plays shooting guard he is a very good ball handler, and more importantly the best one out of this group. We all got to know him well last year when he turned out to be a very welcome surprise and became the Pacers' most consistent player throughout the year. He is a very energetic and efficient player at both ends of the floor and is perfect to lead this second unit. He is one of the most scrappy players in all of the NBA and  compliments that with a good shot from all over the floor.

Shooting guard, this is likely to be Joe Young, who is a bit small for shooting guard at 6'2" but is also an old rookie at 23. He is a rookie fresh out of Oregon and was the PAC-12 player of the year his senior season. If you watched the Pacers play in the summer league you would know that he is already one of the best pure scorers on the Pacers' roster. He can shoot the three, hit the runner, make the shot off the dribble or a catch. He played point guard in college, but Stuckey is the better ball handler and Young is better used as a shot maker. While he is not a lockdown defender he is quick and willing to learn, which bodes well for his future.

Our small forward is likely to be Chase Budinger, the biggest piece in the Rudez-to-Timberwolves deal. Budinger is 6'7" and 27 years of age and before injuries he was one of the nastiest dunkers in the league. But he is still a good bench player and will contribute well for the Pacers. He is good from long-range and is still capable of throwing it down. He is a mediocre defender now but can hold his own, especially against second unit opponents. He is still athletic and very capable of fitting seamlessly into the new look Pacers.

Lavoy Allen looks poised to finally have consistent minutes headed his way as the second-unit Power Forward. Allen is a very energetic forward who excels at grabbing any and every rebound within the arena. He is not very polished on offense, as he gets most of his points off tip-ins and easy put-backs, but he has improved his jumper and hook shot. Every night you are guaranteed 100% from Allen and he is a good, athletic defender which makes him a nightmare to play against. Allen also fits the new scheme perfectly and having played with the Pacers for the last couple of years it looks like this will be his best year yet.

At center is possibly our most intriguing player in this unit, Myles Turner. The 6'11", 19 year old rookie out of Texas was Indiana's first round pick in the draft. He absolutely destroyed the summer league with his flurries of blocks, hook shots, fadeaways, 3 pointers, rebounds and dunks. Turner grabbed a ton of attention during the summer league and is being talked about as possibly being the steal of the draft. He is very young but he contains a very interesting combination between skill and size. He made a very respectable amount of 3 pointers but also posted up and even used a step-back and fadeaway effectively. On defense he is a very long, athletic and dominant big man. He had plenty of highlight-reel worthy blocks in the summer league and his instincts are amazing. He is quick considering his size and given his skill set fits in beautifully with this team.

All of these guys fit the Pacers new scheme very well. They are all athletic and quick given their size (on some of them). With a floor general in Stuckey and all three of the perimeter players able to hit the three, the backcourt looks good. Also with the athletic duo of Turner and Allen down low, they look good for rebounds and rim protection. All of the pieces are there for this to be a very good second-unit, they all fit the system and have no big disadvantages. The only question is will they play well together, which of course has yet to be seen. Although, you have to think this second-unit could do some damage.