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Indiana Pacers: Who Will Be The X-Factor?

By Colby Giacubeno

Apr 14, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers guards C.J. Miles (0) and Rodney Stuckey (2) react to the Pacers taking a commanding lead in double overtime against the Washington Wizards at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats Washington 99-95 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 14, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers guards C.J. Miles (0) and Rodney Stuckey (2) react to the Pacers taking a commanding lead in double overtime against the Washington Wizards at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats Washington 99-95 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Indiana Pacers seem to be one of the most mysterious teams for the 2015-16 season. The return of Paul George puts the team back into playoff contention, but there are questions on whether they will be a deep enough team to sustain the 82-game season and stay in the top eight of the Eastern Conference. No matter how dominant a team’s starting five is, the ultimate success is based off what their bench players can produce.

Looking at the depth chart, Rodney Stuckey is probably the most dangerous player coming off the bench for the Pacers. Backing up George Hill at the point guard position and producing points while also facilitating the offense will be huge for Indiana. But, C.J. Miles is set to be the x-factor for the Pacers this upcoming season.

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Miles had a career year last season in the majority of his statistical categories. The most important being in minutes per game at 26.3 and points at 13.5. Paul George missing 76 games of the season had a large part in why Miles saw a huge increase in his minutes, but his effectiveness in those minutes will earn him valuable playing time this year.

Pretty much every NBA championship team had a solid rotation — whether it was Golden State last season, or the San Antonio Spurs, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers in the years prior. There is no doubt that without a very strong starting lineup, contention conversations go out the window, but when injuries and fatigue start to set in later in the season bench production becomes critical.

Miles will be playing alongside Stuckey in the backcourt. Both players have more of a scoring mentality, but Stuckey’s ability to penetrate will open up shot opportunities for Miles on the perimeter. Last season, Miles converted on 49.8 percent of his catch and shoot field goals. His 56.1 percent field goal percentage from 10 feet and thunderous dunks depict that he can also take his defender off the dribble and finish amongst the big men.

Both Miles and Stuckey logged a lot of minutes last season with the absence of George and Hill due to injury. Now they will both be expected to produce similar numbers, but in less minutes. Miles has shown that he fits into what head coach Frank Vogel is trying to instill in the new-look Pacers. As they look to play some more in a small ball lineup, Miles could see significant time at small forward as well, but backing up Ellis is where he will be most effective.

The Pacers are one of the teams that no one can really predict how they will do. They have the potential to make a run and be a dangerous team in the Eastern Conference, especially if rookie Myles Turner can be a presence in the paint. There is also the fear that injuries will haunt them once again, but that is the case with every team. Either way, Miles will be counted on heavily to be a key producer off the bench that every championship team needs.

Looking at how well he did last season, Pacer Nation shouldn’t have a thing to worry about.

Next: 25 Best Players to Play for the Indiana Pacers

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