Pacers trade for Rakeem Christmas

[Scoot McGroot]

Didn't expect Bird to sign another big man for his "smallball" group, but hey, that means Larry saw an opportunity to get a guy he likes a lot. I don't watch college basketball and I never hold expectations for second rounders, but is there a decent chance he might become our future backup center? Or is he rather deep bench material?

Uh, I think we're all in the same boat of wondering. Christmas is a rim protecting guy that probably projects as a center in the league, but if Myles Turner and his ranged shooting works out, Christmas could be a really nice fit alongside him at the 4. Those two would cover up each other's weaknesses a bit, and could combine to be a terror defending the rim.

Either way, we're going to definitely give him plenty of time to develop, as shown by the team protected 4 year deal we signed him to.

[Wizop]

doesn't Turner have more range than Christmas? if so Turner could be the 4 on offense. In any event, I think this year we'll see Christmas in a lot of suits

[Scoot McGroot]

doesn't Turner have more range than Christmas? if so Turner could be the 4 on offense. In any event, I think this year we'll see Christmas in a lot of suits

Lots. This is what I'm thinking. Turners range gives us a lot more options in developing and playing Christmas. Cleveland had a good spot too with Kevin Love there.

Again, positions don't matter as much as fit and minimizing weaknesses. Turner and Christmas work well in that manner, so long as both are willing to put in the work.

[pacers33granger]

doesn't Turner have more range than Christmas? if so Turner could be the 4 on offense. In any event, I think this year we'll see Christmas in a lot of suits

Lots. This is what I'm thinking. Turners range gives us a lot more options in developing and playing Christmas. Cleveland had a good spot too with Kevin Love there.

Again, positions don't matter as much as fit and minimizing weaknesses. Turner and Christmas work well in that manner, so long as both are willing to put in the work.

It seems like Christmas will put in the work. He improved quite a bit while at Syracuse and finished his degree in 3 years apparently. Even if he doesn't really play at all this year I think he could help just with pushing the other young guys. Getting outhustled by a vet is different than getting outhustled by a rookie. Kind of like Draymond Green (I don't expect him to be anywhere near as good as Green).