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Apr 26, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Monta Ellis (11) argues a call with the referees during the second half against the Houston Rockets in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs. at American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Rockets 121-109. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

The Indiana Pacers Have the Greatest Guard Rotation in the Eastern Conference

By Dan Lewis (@minutemandan) — Hardwood Paroxysm

The Pacers went into the offseason with a few goals — get rid of Roy Hibbert, and get a team that can play fast and score in transition. With a trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Pacers opened a spot for the greatest young center from the 2015 draft, Miles Turner. By signing Monta Ellis to a four-year, $44 million contract, and Rodney Stuckey to a three-year, $21 million contract, the Pacers locked up the greatest backcourt rotation in the East.

Rodney Stuckey adapted to a role off the bench, competing for the Sixth Man of the Year award as an underdog last season. Freed from the purgatory of Detroit, Stuckey blossomed under Frank Vogel. His per/36 minutes were in line with his career numbers, but Stuckey reached those numbers at a more efficient rate than his career mark. It isn’t difficult to see Stuckey’s efficiency continue to improve as he has another year to learn the system and benefit from an increase in talent.

Monta Ellis comes to the Pacers after thriving under Rick Carlisle, showing what a difference a successful head coach can make for the Mississippi Bullet. Ellis was free to carve up defenses, playing a two-man game with Dirk Nowitzki that was as beautiful as the Sistine Chapel in all it’s glory. Now Ellis will be able to play a two-man game with Paul George, when the Pacers go small, or run pick and roll with Miles Turner, who has 3-point range.

“This is absolutely the best fit for Monta on the court and Monta’s family off the court and in all circumstances involving a young family,” said Jeff Fried, Ellis’ agent. “Our goal was to have the entire family unit come out winners on this deal and that is what we believe we accomplished.”

With the steady hand of George Hill at the point, the Pacers can dominate on both ends of the floor. Hill can float on the perimeter for kickouts, and the drive and slash ability of Stuckey offers a change of pace for the guards. It’s a Pandora box of guards – quick and nimble with Ellis, powerful and strong with Stuckey, or lithe and decisive with Hill. Add in a healthy Paul George, the underrated Lavoy Allen, and the elite young talent of Miles Turner, and the Pacers have the pieces to be one of the best teams in the league.

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