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CHICAGO -- There wasn't supposed to be any drama at the point guard position, not after the Indiana Pacers traded for Darren Collison during the summer.
Collison, a star in the making, was supposed to be the starter, with veteran T.J. Ford backing him up and second-year man A.J. Price getting sporadic minutes, as needed.
It hasn't played out that way the first seven weeks of the season.
Pacers coach Jim O'Brien has added in some theatrics by using a few unconventional rotations. Collison has sat in the fourth quarter at times while Ford played in crunch time, which has frustrated him.
Friday night in Atlanta, he sat the entire fourth quarter in favor of Price, which really hurt, Collison said.
"I don't know why I didn't play," said Collison, who has started all 19 games he's appeared in.
"I'm not going to lie, it's been tough. Right now, I'm not used to it. It is what it is."
O'Brien liked what Price could bring to the Pacers, so he got his shot.
"I thought our best chance of coming back was with A.J. in the game because he spaces the court, he shoots the 3 and he also needed playing time," O'Brien said. "I also think he did a nice job."
O'Brien has sat Collison in the past because he prefers Ford's experience. Collison's problem is that he's still having a difficult time running the offense and playing the type of aggressive defense O'Brien wants.
Collison is averaging 13.5 points and 4.2 assists in more than 28 minutes a game.
"It's real tough, but I guess you have to control things when you're in the game," Collison said. "When you're not in the game, you just have to stay in tuned and try to help other guys."
For Price, Saturday was an opportunity to show he can be an effective player when given an opportunity. He had three points, three assists and two steals in 10 minutes against the Hawks.
"Coach just told me to be ready," Price said. "I'm always ready to play."
Price was on the court when the Pacers cut Atlanta's 16-point fourth quarter lead down to seven twice.
"It's coach's decision on who plays," Ford said. "A.J. did a good job. I know my role, I know my situation. I'm cool with anything that happens."
Saturday was just the fifth appearance of the season for Price, who had an impressive rookie season last year.
"It's been tough, but like I've been saying since the beginning of the season, it's all about being professional," he said. "I just come in with the right mentality and stay ready and be out there and produce when he does call my number."
Collison, a star in the making, was supposed to be the starter, with veteran T.J. Ford backing him up and second-year man A.J. Price getting sporadic minutes, as needed.
It hasn't played out that way the first seven weeks of the season.
Pacers coach Jim O'Brien has added in some theatrics by using a few unconventional rotations. Collison has sat in the fourth quarter at times while Ford played in crunch time, which has frustrated him.
Friday night in Atlanta, he sat the entire fourth quarter in favor of Price, which really hurt, Collison said.
"I don't know why I didn't play," said Collison, who has started all 19 games he's appeared in.
"I'm not going to lie, it's been tough. Right now, I'm not used to it. It is what it is."
O'Brien liked what Price could bring to the Pacers, so he got his shot.
"I thought our best chance of coming back was with A.J. in the game because he spaces the court, he shoots the 3 and he also needed playing time," O'Brien said. "I also think he did a nice job."
O'Brien has sat Collison in the past because he prefers Ford's experience. Collison's problem is that he's still having a difficult time running the offense and playing the type of aggressive defense O'Brien wants.
Collison is averaging 13.5 points and 4.2 assists in more than 28 minutes a game.
"It's real tough, but I guess you have to control things when you're in the game," Collison said. "When you're not in the game, you just have to stay in tuned and try to help other guys."
For Price, Saturday was an opportunity to show he can be an effective player when given an opportunity. He had three points, three assists and two steals in 10 minutes against the Hawks.
"Coach just told me to be ready," Price said. "I'm always ready to play."
Price was on the court when the Pacers cut Atlanta's 16-point fourth quarter lead down to seven twice.
"It's coach's decision on who plays," Ford said. "A.J. did a good job. I know my role, I know my situation. I'm cool with anything that happens."
Saturday was just the fifth appearance of the season for Price, who had an impressive rookie season last year.
"It's been tough, but like I've been saying since the beginning of the season, it's all about being professional," he said. "I just come in with the right mentality and stay ready and be out there and produce when he does call my number."
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