Indiana Pacers: Will Chris Copeland Fill the Bench Void?

The Indiana Pacers have wasted no time in pursuing their primary offseason duty: Adding bench depth to the roster.  After agreeing to terms with free agent C.J. Watson on July 2, the team quickly expressed their interest in former New York Knick Chris Copeland.

On Friday, Indiana announced that Copeland will sign an offer sheet worth $6.12 million over the next two years.  Normally, the Knicks would have the opportunity to match the offer and hold on to their rising talent, but they are undergoing issues with the league’s luxury tax.  Therefore, the 6’8″ small forward will soon be known and loved by fans in Indianapolis.

29-year-old Chris Copeland will play his second NBA season under Frank Vogel with the Pacers. (NBA.com photo)

Faced with little to no scoring depth at the shooting guard and small forward positions, it was imperative that general manager Kevin Pritchard address this issue before attempting to chase another Eastern Conference title.

Unsure of how much Danny Granger is going to be able to produce in his return from his left knee injury, the team realized that Sam Young and Gerald Green alone could not provide the Pacers with enough to take down the elites, such as the Miami Heat.  Copeland’s ability to knock down perimeter shots, combined with his level of effort on both ends of the floor, would be strong aspects this second unit is missing.

One feature of Copeland that many fans are unaware of, however, is his age.  Being a 29-year-old sophomore in the league, he does have his share of experience to include to his talents.  He spent five seasons in Europe, contributing to numerous teams and building his foundation.  Recently for New York in 2012-13, Copeland averaged 8.7 points and 2.1 rebounds per game with his limited opportunities.

I have a strong indication that Indiana will reward him in a much greater way, as you can fully expect Copeland to play more than 15.4 minutes per game, his average for last season.

His production under New York coach Mike Woodson was nothing to sneeze at, considering his opportunities seemed limited at times.  Near the end of last season, Copeland scored a career-high 33 points against Atlanta, proving he was not your average “rookie” talent.  Despite the terrific performances throughout the year, Woodson decided to only play him 15-plus minutes in two games of the playoffs.  The Pacers very well could have become intrigued in the Eastern Conference semifinals, as Copeland hit many timely 3-pointers in Games 5 and 6.

The experience that Copeland has accumulated since his days overseas should help him become the primary backup for Paul George, while coach Frank Vogel will most likely adjust Granger into the shooting guard position with Lance Stephenson.  A team that slowly began to develop a 3-point threat with their three perimeter starters will be even more dangerous with Copeland’s streaky touch off the bench.

His 3-point efficiency of 42.1 percent with the Knicks’ offense, which was predicated on living and dying by the perimeter, only signifies green lights for the Pacers in the upcoming season.

Why?  The Pacers have become one of the most well-rounded teams in the league without forming together a superstar-filled “big three.”  Re-signing power forward David West and anticipating an improved center in Roy Hibbert, we will see a team that utilizes the inside-out style of basketball even more than they are accustomed to.

Surrounding the perimeter for the second unit, along with a 41.1 percent 3-point shooter (Watson) at the backup point guard position, Copeland’s perfect fit for Indiana will make him a deadlier weapon that teams continue to overlook.