Ranking each NBA team’s All-Decade starting 5 from the 2010s
20. Indiana Pacers 2010s all-decade starting lineup
- George Hill
- Victor Oladipo
- Paul George
- Domantas Sabonis
- Roy Hibbert
A blend of the two most successful stretches for the Indiana Pacers this decade, we know what George Hill, Paul George and Roy Hibbert brought to the table, especially at the defensive end.
Hibbert, in particular, is an interesting case study. There’s a valid reason he’s no longer in the NBA, unable to function with a level of mobility that could keep him in the lineup. Still, at his best, the two-time All-Star was a feared rim protector who made even LeBron James think twice before driving to the bucket
This isn’t peak PG, not after his most recent season in OKC, but the presence of a Victor Oladipo should do wonders for both, as neither All-Star had much help offensively during their respective time in Indiana.
What Oladipo brings to the offensive side he equally provides at the other end. This makes for a stifling perimeter defensive attack for the Pacers similar to the one they employed amid consecutive Eastern Conference Finals appearances,
The ball gets funneled to the basket amid smothering perimeter defense with Hibbert waiting at the rim.
Domantas Sabonis isn’t as physically imposing as say David West, but he’s plenty strong and has dominated several games in the restricted area alone.
Watching an elite defensive unit like Indiana attempt to defend 2019 basketball would be a clashing of two vastly different styles. Aside from potential spacing issues offensively, whether the Pacers could adapt and modernize their defensive tactics would serve as an indicator for potential success.