RADIO
If adding Jeff Teague wasn't enough, the Pacers traded their 20th pick and future second round pick on draft night to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for 28-year old forward, Thaddeus Young. Brooklyn was a 21 win team last year and much of that is thanks to Thad. Averaging 15.1 points / 9.0 rebounds last season makes him one of the only noteworthy player on the Nets alongside Brook Lopez. Why he was traded, I have no clue -- how can the Nets hope to make a playoff run without him? But the Pacers have turned the page to become serious contenders in the East with the addition of Young.
Thad Young and the Indiana Pacers
Offensively, Young can find his way to the basket. He was consistent last season but it's hard to tell with how poorly the Nets season went. However, time and time again, Young shouldered the offensive weight and actually did a fine job generating offense despite the constricted space around the basket with opposing teams bearing down on Young and fellow big Brook Lopez. With a Pacers team that has some serious outside scoring threats including Paul George, Monta Ellis, and Jeff Teague, Young can focus his energy on defense and give the them that defensive presence they needed to be title contenders. Do not forget about Myles Turner, projected to start alongside Young in the front court with last year's starting C Ian Mahinmi on his way out the door, can also stretch the floor and make more room for Young to score inside.
Last year Indiana secured the no. 7 seed without a real power forward. With the addition of Thad Young, the Pacers got an athletic forward who is more than capable of putting up double-doubles. He is a menacing defender with quick hands and agile for his 6’8 frame, allowing him to keep up with smaller forwards and bigger guards. He averaged 1.5 steals last season which was 3rd amongst all power forwards. Combined with Paul George, who was second in steals among all small forwards, and Myles Turner ending his season about as strong as a rookie can, and the Pacers defense has also greatly improved.
Defense doesn't mean much for fantasy unless it's Hassan Whiteside, but Myles Turner could see a major increase in blocks. The addition of Thad means Turner can play a more conservative, protect the paint style of basketball. In other fantasy stats, Pacers as a whole may see a slight downturn in individual production. The Pacers are going to be a good team which means they will be sharing the ball. This is good for players like Jeff Teague and Paul George who will get their touches every game. The bad news is unless Thad or Myles is having a great game, their touches will be limited. Also, don't forget about Monta Ellis who will be more comfortable in his role now that Teague will assume primary ball handling duties. The flip side to the limited touches for some players will be improved efficiency, though -- look for better FG% out of many of the Pacers players now, particularly Paul George who should hopefully see a little less attention.
Overall, the Pacers will be a great team and great teams are good for fantasy...unless it's the Spurs. With that, expect Teague and Young to mesh with Pacers immediately and I would be sure to keep this squad on your radar in every format. They have a very strong starting lineup and every player can lead an offensive charge and drop 30 with ease. I don't see the Pacers falling outside of 5th spot in the East all season. Bold statement but I like what the Pacers are doing...and that's coming from a Knick fan.
