Memphis Grizzlies Opposing Views: Indiana Pacers

After the Indiana Pacers lost Paul George, they’re headed for a nice rebuild. Can the Memphis Grizzlies make this an easy series?

The Indiana Pacers are officially rebuilding after the departure of All-Star Paul George. It’s hard to say that Myles Turner can lead this team to the playoffs, but they acquired some complimentary pieces to at least remain competitive.

Victor Oladipo is a solid NBA 2-guard. Cory Joseph and Darren Collison are above-average point guards. Free agent signee Bojan Bogdanovic provides this team with much-needed floor spacing.

The Memphis Grizzlies will have a new identity without Tony Allen and Zach Randolph, but Mike Conley and Marc Gasol can surely lead the charge to the playoffs once more. However, to solidify a spot, Chandler Parsons and Tyreke Evans have to perform near their peak. In addition, one of the young players has to step up and prove to be a real deal NBA player.

Can these teams succeed with newfound identities?

Starting 5

PG – Darren Collison

SG – Victor Oladipo

SF – Glenn Robinson III

PF – Domantas Sabonis

C – Myles Turner

Advantages for the Grizzlies

• Mike Conley

As I previously stated, Darren Collison and Corey Joseph are solid point guards, but they aren’t near Conley’s level. Both of these point guards are more high-level backups than they are starters. On the other hand, Conley is one of the best players to never be named an All-Star of all time.

In addition, neither impose a dangerous matchup on either end of the court. Darren Collison isn’t as quick as he once was, and he doesn’t have the size to bother the Conductor. Joseph has the size to play adequate defense on Conley but lacks the explosiveness to expose him.

• JaMychal Green

ASSUMING HE ACCEPTS THE QUALIFYING OFFER!

Last season, Green proved that he belongs in the league. In addition, he showed that he’s an everyday NBA starter. While he does need to take another step in his development — a story for another time — the Pacers have two unproven players manning the power forward position. TJ Leaf and Domantas Sabonis have the ability to be good big men in today’s NBA.

However, that time won’t be soon.

JaMychal Green must impose his presence on either end of the court to push the Grizzlies to an easy series victory. He has the size to bother both of them in the post and on the glass. In addition, he has more weapons in his offensive arsenal to have big nights against them.

JaMychal Green had no issues with Karl-Anthony Towns or Anthony Davis. You really think he’s going to have any against TJ Leaf and Domantas Sabonis?

Advantage for the Pacers

• Myles Turner

Turner isn’t near Marc Gasol’s level, but his game can give him fits.

Last season, Gasol had issues with young, athletic big men such as Nerlens Noel and Clint Capella. Myles Turner has the size and athleticism to give the Spaniard a rough matchup.

If Turner comes out with aggression and scores at will, the Pacers will gain some momentum to power past the Grizzlies.

Next: 3 Potential Breakout Players for Memphis

Closing Remarks

Remember my lesson on the Hawks? The Pacers are on the other end of the spectrum: they were fine with the “good, but not great mantra” but mixed things up once it wasn’t good enough anymore.

However, the lesson to learn from the Pacers is to get better return for your stars. Instead of taking better offers from the Celtics or Lakers, they opted for Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis. They’re decent prospects, but the Pacers failed to acquire future picks or a tantalizing young player.

For the Memphis Grizzlies, if things have to shake up, get better return for your stars.

Please.