Game Thread 12/20 ~ PACERS @ HAWKS ~ 7:30 PM ET

[Nuntius]

Wilkins with a -10 in 2 minutes of play.

That's why garbage time stats are useless

I'm sad that Wilkins didn't get to make a shot tonight

[Yunsen]

I'm looking forward to watching Taurean Prince that's a guy I'd like to have at SF. Also looking forward to seeing John Collins who was my pick on draft night.

100% agreed. I'd love to have both of them on the team.

I truly believe the only reason Collins was passed on was because his agent is that rotten """" Aaron Mintz.

His measurables are really close to Sabonis'. If Sabonis had a 2 inch longer wingspan he probably would have gone top 5 and I imagine something similar with Collins as well.

[Jstock12]

Wilkins with a -10 in 2 minutes of play.

That's why garbage time stats are useless

I'm sad that Wilkins didn't get to make a shot tonight

I know, just thought it was ironic, especially giving the timing, with his relatives around.

[Nuntius]

Wilkins with a -10 in 2 minutes of play.

That's why garbage time stats are useless

I'm sad that Wilkins didn't get to make a shot tonight

I know, just thought it was ironic, especially giving the timing, with his relatives around.

I know. That's why I wanted him to hit a shot.

[Nuntius]

100% agreed. I'd love to have both of them on the team.

I truly believe the only reason Collins was passed on was because his agent is that rotten """" Aaron Mintz.

His measurables are really close to Sabonis'. If Sabonis had a 2 inch longer wingspan he probably would have gone top 5 and I imagine something similar with Collins as well.

The thing with Collins is that he is really athletic. He is very explosive for his size, he can get up in small places and he has an amazing second (and third and fourth) jump. Those are athletic tools that a modern big man absolutely needs. If Domas had those tools he'd be an amazing player.

[Pacersike]

I remember that Thad wasn't effective as a SF in the past and I'm not sure how this lineup would work offensively. Thad can make the 3 and keep the defenses honest as a PF but he isn't that good of a shooter (or a ball-handler/passer) for a SF.

But hey, we could give it a shot! I definitely think that it could work defensively and it would help us a lot on the boards. We probably would run a bit less than we currently do which would be worse for Dipo. Still, it's a possibility that we could explore.

Thad could sign a new contract this summer and we are not giving it to him. Above all, we need to explore if we can trade him and our other reasonable contracts (Jefferson, DC, Bojan, 3) for a future rotation player.

Also, teams go so small these days, Thad can play backup 4 and 5 if they don't want to start him at the 3.
If Sabonis enters the starting 5 at the 4, at this point in the season, it would be my only change and I would like to keep the chemistry Bogdanovic has developed with the rest of our starters.

Either way, Sabonis is too good to hold him out of the starting lineup for too long and we can not wait too long to find out what works and what can not work with a Sabonis Turner frontcourt. Trade Thad, start him at the 3 or use him as backup 4/5.

If there is any chance Sabonis and Turner together will struggle against too many teams, it is better if we know it this season, so we can sign and draft players according to what we have experienced. It would be a sign of lack of long term thinking if Thad keeps starting games at the 4.

[Grang33r]

Pacers really needed this. Not too be over dramatic but they're 1-3 in last 4 going into tonight and we all know how the last game ended. Big team win, i'm sure this one feels good for everyone, including Bojan. Now get some sleep big fella.

[Vorda]

Here I'm again... DC had 1 asist last night, he is playmaker ... can someone explain that before I start to look replacemant for him... thank you

[Pacers_Freak]

Here I'm again... DC had 1 asist last night, he is playmaker ... can someone explain that before I start to look replacemant for him... thank you

You can't replace him. You're president of the DC fan club!!!

[Pacers_Freak]

Impressive stat last night on the broadcast. Pacers are now 9-0 vs. the bottom 12 teams in the NBA. Our guys do a great job of taking care of business when they should.

[Wizop]

Here I'm again... DC had 1 asist last night, he is playmaker ... can someone explain that before I start to look replacemant for him... thank you

we're in 4th place. don't tinker with success. I'm very afraid of destroying chemistry by trading any of the players currently in our rotation,

we can look for point guards in the draft or next summer's free agents ... and when GRob is healthy try playing him and Vic together. I'm starting to think that the long term answer in this era of positionless basketball is to play Vic with two wings but time will tell.

another thing I want to do in January when 10 day contracts are possible is to give one to Lemon, the point guard of the Ants. we also have Sumner on a 2 way who hasn't played a minute yet because of injury.

[basketballwacko2]

Here I'm again... DC had 1 asist last night, he is playmaker ... can someone explain that before I start to look replacemant for him... thank you

Lance is the best passer on the team.

[Grang33r]

For whatever reason, the first time Pacers signed DC it was a bit of a buzz kill for me. I just didn't like him that much. But this time around, I love the way he plays. He's not the most talented player in the world but i never think we're at a disadvantage when he's on the court. I wouldn't move him at all.

[Vorda]

Here I'm again... DC had 1 asist last night, he is playmaker ... can someone explain that before I start to look replacemant for him... thank you

You can't replace him. You're president of the DC fan club!!!

f..., I allways forget that

[Vorda]

Here I'm again... DC had 1 asist last night, he is playmaker ... can someone explain that before I start to look replacemant for him... thank you

we're in 4th place. don't tinker with success. I'm very afraid of destroying chemistry by trading any of the players currently in our rotation,

we can look for point guards in the draft or next summer's free agents ... and when GRob is healthy try playing him and Vic together. I'm starting to think that the long term answer in this era of positionless basketball is to play Vic with two wings but time will tell.

another thing I want to do in January when 10 day contracts are possible is to give one to Lemon, the point guard of the Ants. we also have Sumner on a 2 way who hasn't played a minute yet because of injury.

I ' m talking about summer... we cant replace him right now, cause we cant get nothing for him... who want PG who cant pass... I would try to get Rubio on Summer, or maybe Conley, Memphis will go in rebuilding soon, but he has a bad contract... I dont Know what we can give for him... DC+Thad+1st pick

[Vorda]

Here I'm again... DC had 1 asist last night, he is playmaker ... can someone explain that before I start to look replacemant for him... thank you

Lance is the best passer on the team.

I agree...I would start with Lance on PG...he is better defender and passer

[basketballwacko2]

For whatever reason, the first time Pacers signed DC it was a bit of a buzz kill for me. I just didn't like him that much. But this time around, I love the way he plays. He's not the most talented player in the world but i never think we're at a disadvantage when he's on the court. I wouldn't move him at all.

The first time they got him in a trade for Troy Murphy, they also go Posey. DC had a great rookie season filling in for Chris Paul. They moved him in the S&T for Ian Manhimni. He's been inconsistent. I like him as a back up point guard or as a bridge guard to help a young pg get his experience.

If I had my way I'd start Lance at point because of his size and rebounding, the bonus is he's an amazing passer. DC has a small guarantee for 2018, depending on the out look he might be released to generate cap space. I expect next years starters to be Turner, Sabonis, New SF, Victor, and Lance.