HoopWatch

After an eight-player deal where the Indiana Pacers acquired Mike Dunleavy, Jr., Troy Murphy, Keith McLeod and Ike Diogu during the course of the season. Indiana appeared to gain some upsides after that draft, moving into the playoff picture. But right now, they are on their way back to where they started. They are battling for a playoff spot against dangerous teams like New Jersey, Orlando and Miami. They currently stand at seventh in the east with a .500 record, 29-29.

The Pacers though have to move quickly if they are to secure that seventh seed going into the playoffs. Jermaine O’Neal remains to be the focus of their game as he leads Indiana with averages of 19.8 points and 10.2 rebounds. Other bright spots include Danny Granger, a healthy Jamaal Tinsley and Mike Dunleavy. Everyone thought that with the departure of Stephen Jackson and Al Harrington, Marquis Daniels will significantly increase his numbers. But his numbers have remained the same, averaging just 7.1 points an outing.

Granger has now showcased his all-around arsenal averaging 13.4 points, 0.83 steals, 0.66 blocks and 4.8 rebounds in 32.9 minutes per ballgame. His production is still far from that of the Matrix, but his athleticism will help him do so in due time. Next season, maybe.

One good thing that got Tinsley going is his health. He has totally evaded the injury bug this season compared to the past two. He is a perennial injury-stricken guard, but he managed to stay from it this season. He produces 13.3 points and 6.8 assists.

The statement, “Once a scorer, always scorer” aptly applies to Dunleavy. The sweet-shooting 6-9 forward averages 12.6 points in 19 games for the Pacers, as compared to only 11.8 with Golden State.

Coach Rick Carlisle wanted to adapt the run-and-gun style trend, but it seems that that does not fit his team. The team’s composition is still in disarray. They tried running with the Suns, but got blown out. They may survive this season and make it to the postseason wars, but the Indiana management has got to do a lot of moves during the break to bring back the Pacers as East’s elite. Time to plan Mr. Bird.