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Indiana Pacers: 5 Things That Need To Happen To Make Small Ball Work

By Cameron Stewart

Sep 28, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; (left ro right) Indiana Pacers guard Monta Ellis (11), forward Paul George (13), and guard George Hill (3) pose for a photo with coach Frank Vogel during media day at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 28, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; (left ro right) Indiana Pacers guard Monta Ellis (11), forward Paul George (13), and guard George Hill (3) pose for a photo with coach Frank Vogel during media day at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 13, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Monta Ellis (5) is guarded by Detroit Pistons guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 13, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Monta Ellis (5) is guarded by Detroit Pistons guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Monta Ellis needs to play at an All-Star caliber level.

As Vogel mentioned in the quote about spacing being good for everybody, he mentioned new addition Monta Ellis as one players who will benefit the most aside from going small.

What he means by that is that going small gives Ellis space to attack their individual defenders with less help defenders, making it easier to create scoring opportunities for themselves or dish off to a teammate as the defense goes through their help defense rotations.

If one of the two guards attacks and gets by their defender, somebody has to help and somebody will be left open for at least enough time to give them space and time to catch-and-shoot or attack a defender who is closing out.

This is the reason why the Pacers went after Ellis so aggressively upon the beginning of free agency. Ellis has played in similar offenses in both Dallas and Golden State and has carved out a very nice career as a combo guard.

Ellis has a respectable jump shot despite his below average shooting numbers, but also loves to attack the rim and is one of the league’s best in attacking from the pick-and-roll.

Only two players produced more points in pick-and-roll situations than Ellis last season, Chris Paul and Damian Lillard. Ellis is excellent at utilizing a pick and recognizing if the defense is leaning more towards the ball handler or the player who set the pick. Ian Mahinmi’s sole offensive opportunities other than putbacks will likely be on runs to the rim after setting a pick for Ellis.

The Pacers could be sneaky and use Paul George as a pick setter for Ellis and wreak havoc on defenders as they have to choose between Ellis and George while both can finish inside or make a jump shot if given space.

George Hill is still the starter at point guard, but I expect Ellis to have the ball in his hands more than his backcourt mate. If Ellis can help lead the Pacers offense to win games, he’ll likely be rewarded with his first All-Star game appearance.

Next: Patience is a virtue

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