We're at the 20-game mark and I thought it appropriate to provide a 1st-qrt of the season analysis of the Pacers.
As I stated in the "JOB Contriditions" thread, I think it's difficult to develop cohesiveness and consistency with a team when you have:
It's got to be tough! Still, I think it's fair to say that JOB hasn't made what many would consider "smart decisions" when it comes to starting lineups or rotations. The rise of a team that seemed to have things together over a 5-game winning streak only to fall apart over the course of the next 12 games is a clear indication that things are still in extreme flux with this team. I firmly believe that the biggest problem with this team has little to do with playing veterans over rookies/sophomores, but instead has its roots in JOB not playing the more energetic players that fit his offensive style. I made mention of this in the "Trends Associated w/recent losing streak..." thread, specifically where I talk about their lack of aggressiveness in getting to the free throw line. Frankly put, as long as this team continues on taking a high volume of 3PAs instead of attacking the basket, they will suffer many more loses.
Something many of you observed was that when Murphy was out of the lineup, the Pacers become less reliant on 3PAs and focus more on attacking the basket. Yet, the moment he returned, they (JOB) went right back to taking tons of 3's. It's what the team did in the interim that's of significance.
During those crucial five games, the Pacers attacked the basket. They pushed the tempo and maintained their energy level for the majority of those five games. But for whatever reason, they went away from that until they were forced to rely more on their younger players. Now, to be fair the way they lost some games meant they had to go to some of their more experienced players. However, in doing so the Pacers became a team out of unit cohesion. Twelve games and atleast six lineups later, they're still trying to find their way. And with Granger on the IL, the Pacers are now looking for others to step up. The good news is it appears that a new collective spirit is starting to emerge led by Roy Hibbert and Tyler Hansborough. My concern, however, is that once Granger returns JOB will revert back to his old ways of relying on the veterans more than he needs to. It's a matter of finding balance between experience, tempo, energy and stability. The hope is that while Granger sits on the sideline he learns something about his team. Otherwise, I'm afraid the trend of taking a ton of 3-pointers will returns and, thus the losing will begin anew. In that regard, they'll be no better than the Nets who have the lowest FG% in the league. And that would be a shame since this team has plenty of players who very capable of scoring from the field. Taking and missing alot of 3PA is no better than a team that simply cannot make mid-range jump shots. Hence, the reason the Nets rely on dribble penetration to score vice scoring from the field.
I think the Pacers can do alot better if they are less reliant on the 3-pt shot and instead get and stay in attack mode and take those wide open 3PAs only when they have their opponent back on their heels. It's one thing to ensure you have spacing and are going to your hot hand from the perimeter vice jacking up shot from the perimeter when you're desperate and trying to come from behind. In other words, if the Pacers would use the 3PA shot as a demoralizing tool vice a "desperate, come from behind" tool, they're chances of success would greatly improve. For evidence of this, look no further than the 5-game winning streak and their last three games where the Pacers had some success attacking first and then taking 3-pter only when they were open and not necessarily when they were desperate to catch up.
Overall, there is plenty of room for improvement, but both coach O'Brien and the players need to play smart basketball. Lay off the 3-pters and keep attacking the basket first and foremost to put your opponent back on their heels. Once you are able to dictate tempo and/or you have the lead, then and only then do you use the 3-ball as your weapon to pull away. But you have to stay aggressive for 48-minutes. That is the key to this team's success moving forward.
As I stated in the "JOB Contriditions" thread, I think it's difficult to develop cohesiveness and consistency with a team when you have:
- 5 rookies/sophomores - Hibbert, Hansborough, BRush, McRoberts, and AJ Price
- 4 new acquisitions (All vets) - Watson, Dahntey, Head and Solo
- up to 5 veteran players on the IRL throughout this young season - Murphy, Dunleavy, Foster, Diener and now Granger
It's got to be tough! Still, I think it's fair to say that JOB hasn't made what many would consider "smart decisions" when it comes to starting lineups or rotations. The rise of a team that seemed to have things together over a 5-game winning streak only to fall apart over the course of the next 12 games is a clear indication that things are still in extreme flux with this team. I firmly believe that the biggest problem with this team has little to do with playing veterans over rookies/sophomores, but instead has its roots in JOB not playing the more energetic players that fit his offensive style. I made mention of this in the "Trends Associated w/recent losing streak..." thread, specifically where I talk about their lack of aggressiveness in getting to the free throw line. Frankly put, as long as this team continues on taking a high volume of 3PAs instead of attacking the basket, they will suffer many more loses.
Something many of you observed was that when Murphy was out of the lineup, the Pacers become less reliant on 3PAs and focus more on attacking the basket. Yet, the moment he returned, they (JOB) went right back to taking tons of 3's. It's what the team did in the interim that's of significance.
During those crucial five games, the Pacers attacked the basket. They pushed the tempo and maintained their energy level for the majority of those five games. But for whatever reason, they went away from that until they were forced to rely more on their younger players. Now, to be fair the way they lost some games meant they had to go to some of their more experienced players. However, in doing so the Pacers became a team out of unit cohesion. Twelve games and atleast six lineups later, they're still trying to find their way. And with Granger on the IL, the Pacers are now looking for others to step up. The good news is it appears that a new collective spirit is starting to emerge led by Roy Hibbert and Tyler Hansborough. My concern, however, is that once Granger returns JOB will revert back to his old ways of relying on the veterans more than he needs to. It's a matter of finding balance between experience, tempo, energy and stability. The hope is that while Granger sits on the sideline he learns something about his team. Otherwise, I'm afraid the trend of taking a ton of 3-pointers will returns and, thus the losing will begin anew. In that regard, they'll be no better than the Nets who have the lowest FG% in the league. And that would be a shame since this team has plenty of players who very capable of scoring from the field. Taking and missing alot of 3PA is no better than a team that simply cannot make mid-range jump shots. Hence, the reason the Nets rely on dribble penetration to score vice scoring from the field.
I think the Pacers can do alot better if they are less reliant on the 3-pt shot and instead get and stay in attack mode and take those wide open 3PAs only when they have their opponent back on their heels. It's one thing to ensure you have spacing and are going to your hot hand from the perimeter vice jacking up shot from the perimeter when you're desperate and trying to come from behind. In other words, if the Pacers would use the 3PA shot as a demoralizing tool vice a "desperate, come from behind" tool, they're chances of success would greatly improve. For evidence of this, look no further than the 5-game winning streak and their last three games where the Pacers had some success attacking first and then taking 3-pter only when they were open and not necessarily when they were desperate to catch up.
Overall, there is plenty of room for improvement, but both coach O'Brien and the players need to play smart basketball. Lay off the 3-pters and keep attacking the basket first and foremost to put your opponent back on their heels. Once you are able to dictate tempo and/or you have the lead, then and only then do you use the 3-ball as your weapon to pull away. But you have to stay aggressive for 48-minutes. That is the key to this team's success moving forward.