Losing Pacers reserve shooting guard Bennedict Mathurin for the year will have an intriguing ripple effect on the team’s bench as it prepares for the postseason, writes Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star.
As Dopirak notes, Indiana is now without two of its top-scoring reserves from the start of the season, between Mathurin and Buddy Hield, who was dealt to the Sixers at the trade deadline. Forward Doug McDermott, the Pacers’ own sharpshooting acquisition added at the deadline, continues to rehabilitate his right calf strain, though he’ll be a big part of the bench when he does play. Rookies Ben Sheppard and Jarace Walker seem likely to get significantly more responsibility as the season winds down.
There’s more out of the Central Division:
- Workaholic new Pistons veteran power forward Taj Gibson, 38, is over a decade older than most of his new teammates. Omari Sankofa II of The Detroit Free Press writes that the 10-53 club appreciates Gibson’s daily grind, even in his 15th NBA season, and hopes that he can inspire the Pistons’ young, talented lottery pick core. Gibson is on a 10-day deal, so there’s no guarantee he’ll remain with in Detroit for the rest of the season.
- The Pistons’ decision to, at last, stagger young guards Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey so that one of them remained on the floor at all times seemed to work wonders on Thursday in a 118-112 win over the Nets, writes James L. Edwards III of The Athletic. Head coach Monty Williams opted to employ a lineup of Cunningham alongside his second unit in the third quarter that really helped the club hold serve against Brooklyn.
- Young Bulls guards Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu have each taken big leaps in their development this season, with White in particular enjoying a breakout year. A lot of their growth has happened with star shooting guard Zach LaVine, the team’s priciest player, sidelined due to injury. Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic thinks the improvement of the young guards could be negatively impacted by a LaVine comeback next year, and wonders if the Chicago front office will look to offload the two-time All-Star.
1. LaVine and Ball are not needed next year.
2. Andre D. should be the starting Center.
3. Williams should be moved to SF.
4. The Bulls need a true PF.
5. Vooch needs to be traded.
White, Ayo, and even Williams are solid foundation to build around but Williams need to be at SF and not PF.
All great points. Only thing I’d differ on is I’d be fine w lonzo as backup pg next year if he can play. No value on trade market so might as well see if he can give 15-20 mins a night
Ball could be finished. Zach should be traded. Should do a sign-n-trade with DeM DeR. Redo team next yr.
LaVine to Pistons ……
Ivey, Steward, this yrs #1 pick.
That’s a good start
Probably have to be top3 protected. And unprotected in 2025.
If pistons were dumb enough to offer that I’d take it in a heartbeat. Even getting just Ivey or Stewart would be steal for bulls