Wells: Dunleavy believes best is still to come

[Scoot McGroot]

Indiana Pacers swingman Mike Dunleavy played and looked like a free man last season.

He no longer had to deal with the constant criticism that marked his first 41/2 seasons with Golden State. A clear mental state and an offense geared around his skills allowed Dunleavy to average a career-high 19.1 points and quiet those who saw him as a spot-up shooter and draft bust.
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So what's next for the former No. 3 overall pick?

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a ... 8/SPORTS04
Overall an interesting piece. Seems like Bird and O'Brien really love Dunleavy for what he brings and trust him completely, going so far as Bird telling Dunleavy in the end of season meeting "Whatever you did last summer, you should do it again." The big thing they're focusing on with Dunleavy is improved defensive fundamentals.


So, if Dunleavy improves his defense, will Brandon Rush really ever be able to take a starting job away from Dunleavy or Granger while either is on the roster?


Thoughts? Questions? Comments? Concerns?

[MillerTime101]

Its a good problem to have, dont see it being an issue right now as Rush is just coming into the league but down the road if all three continue to progress and stay injury free I can see Bird having to move one. My gut tells me it will be Dunleavy but you never know.

[xxSnEaKyPxx]

Dunleavy isn't going to magically become a shut down defender. Rush will eventually take over the spot, I don't even see a debate here. In fact, I think we should move Dunleavy while his stock his high as his numbers are bound to go down with our added depth at the SG position.

I like Dunleavy, I think he is a good player, but the fact is he isn't apart of our future. We need to move him while his stock is at an all time high. His stock isn't going to get any higher, I realize Bird and O'Brien love him, but if he was apart of the future, why would we have drafted Rush, trading Bayless for Rush no less. I'm not sure what Bird is thinking in terms of the future, but its kinda looking like Dunleavy will eventually be moved.

[MillerTime101]

I actually think Dunleavys stock can go alot higher, most people see him as a bust that simply took advantage of being on a bad team last year. I would like to see Dunleavy stay even if Rush does take his spot, Larry Bird has said he is one of the hardest workers on the team and thats the kind of guy you want on your side.

I could see him coming off the bench and playing like a Manu Ginobili/Leandro Barbosa type role, he would be dynamite on a 2nd unit and his defense would be less exposed guarding 2nd string players.

[xxSnEaKyPxx]

I actually think Dunleavys stock can go alot higher, most people see him as a bust that simply took advantage of being on a bad team last year. I would like to see Dunleavy stay even if Rush does take his spot, Larry Bird has said he is one of the hardest workers on the team and thats the kind of guy you want on your side.

I could see him coming off the bench and playing like a Manu Ginobili/Leandro Barbosa type role, he would be dynamite on a 2nd unit and his defense would be less exposed guarding 2nd string players.

Thats what I want for this year, I'd love to see Rush start, I think he fits our starting lineup better, and Dunleavy is the leader we need off the bench. I still think Dunleavy should get the bulk of the minutes this year, but at the same time, we can't afford to pay Dunleavy 10 million a year to be a full time bench player. Eventually Rush is going to earn more minutes and when that happens Dunleavy becomes a huge liability with his contract. I don't think we should move him right now, but I would think we should next off-season.