Is the Second Unit’s Defense Good Enough?

Another pressing question that the Indiana Pacers will need to answer is whether their bench defense will be good enough. That is a major concern for most fans after the moves that were made this offseason.

Looking at the way the current bench unit projects to be, the Pacers will have Cory Joseph, Tyreke Evans, Doug McDermott, T.J. Leaf, and Domantas Sabonis on the court. Joseph and Evans are capable defenders, but the other three players have been known as defensive liabilities at times.

Even though there should be concern, McDermott may not be the best defender, but his basketball IQ helps him overcome some of his athletic issues. Sabonis is a young big man with big potential and an offseason of development and work should help him improve his defense. Leaf, on the other hand, is going to need a lot of work over the next couple years to become a decent defender.

Pritchard and company are hoping that their second unit will simply e able to outscore opposing teams. They have put together a dangerous offensive bench squad, but defense could be an issue, especially come playoff time.

Next Page: No. 1