Indiana Pacers: Will Tyler Hansbrough’s Absense Hurt Them?
By Shane Young
Competing at a high level in the Eastern Conference, the Indiana Pacers haven’t been looking to make any drastic roster changes in preparation for the 2013-14 season. This is only natural, considering they have one of the most well-rounded teams in the league, led by Paul George and Roy Hibbert.
Hansbrough’s heart and effort will be missed in Indiana, but the loss doesn’t diminish the Pacers. Photo: Mark Runyon, Basketball Schedule
From the new additions that improve their perimeter shooting to their decision to re-sign veteran David West, the Pacers have assured their fans of a balanced team for the future. Overlooked by many, however, will go the loss of backup power forward Tyler Hansbrough. Last week, the Toronto Raptors agreed to terms with Hansbrough on a two-year deal.
In essence, the 27-year-old Hansbrough was directly replaced by Chris Copeland, who encompasses more of an outside threat.
Indiana fans must begin to realize that this offseason swap was just what the team needed. One thing that the Eastern Conference playoff runs have recently taught us is the need for snipers along the perimeter. Taking a look at the Miami Heat, it was clear that they lacked any depth in the post, as they even struggled to receive a strong contribution from their best frontcourt threat (Chris Bosh). The factor that separated them from the Pacers, as well as any possible East opponent, was their handful of shooters that could instantly catch fire and put a game out of reach.
When taking that into account, it’s obvious that Copeland helps stretch the floor for Indiana much more than their secondary lineups could before.
It will be important for Indiana’s defensive efforts to equal last season’s. Photo Credit: IsoSports, Flickr.com
Could the loss of Hansbrough place more pressure on Hibbert and West? If their offseason was completely in the books, I would easily say so. While power forward/center Miles Plumlee has been improving his talents in Summer League play, it would be a stretch to say he and Ian Mahinmi are all the assistance the team needs up front. If the Pacers want to continue their run as one of the more physical teams, at least one quality piece needs to be added alongside Copeland.
Keep in mind, coach Frank Vogel has developed some of the strongest team chemistry with his players that we see in the league today. If longtime star Danny Granger is able to return and provide what is expected, Indiana should have no problem making up for the defensive loss of Hansbrough.
When I consider the outcome of the last two playoff meetings between the Pacers and Heat, it seems as if General Manager Kevin Pritchard is making the wise choice by surrounding his core big men with pure shooters.