Andrew Bynum adds more depth to an already deep Pacers squad.
When Andrew Bynum signed with the Indiana Pacers, a lot of people were surprised. Why would a team as good as the Pacers take a chance on a headcase and malcontent like Bynum?
Well, Saturday night was a perfect reason why. Bynum scored 15 points and grabbed nine rebounds in just 20 minutes off the bench for the Pacers as he helped In Indiana beat the Detroit Pistons, 112-104. Sure, he wasn’t all that efficient, making just six of 18 field goal attempts but he also hadn’t played in a while until just recently. He scored eight points and grabbed 10 rebounds on Tuesday in a 94-83 win over the Boston Celtics.
The Pacers are now probably one of the deepest teams in the NBA with Bynum, Evan Turner and Luis Scola coming off the bench. All three players are capable starters on a lot of teams in the league.
Bynum gives them a legit low-post scorer with starting center Roy Hibbert being more of a rebounder and defender, not a great offensive option. Bynum has a history of being inconsistent and tough to stay focused but he’s on a veteran minimum contract and if he makes any waves, he can be released. The upside is he gives the Pacers another big man to throw at the team they will likely meet in the Eastern Conference finals — the Miami Heat.
Turner gives them a sixth man-type who can play shooting guard, small forward and in certain cases even point guard with his ball-handling skills. Turner gives them insurance in case Lance Stephenson bolts as a free agent and gives them an X factor in the postseason as well. Turner can create some nice mismatches in the playoffs.
Scola gives them a veteran power forward that can keep David West rested and healthy. Not to mention, Scola’s playoff experience will also be a welcome addition.
Noticing a pattern? It’s all about the postseason and if there was ever a year the Heat are vulnerable? This is it.
Darren Jacks is a regular contributor to OneManFastBreak.net. Follow him on Twitter @djroxalot.