5 reasons Indiana Pacers can win NBA Finals
By John Buhler
5. Monta Ellis
Besides parting ways with center Roy Hibbert and power forward David West, perhaps the biggest difference in the construction of the 2015-16 Pacers is that they now have a strong go-to scorer at shooting guard in NBA veteran Monta Ellis.
While Indiana received a huge boost from former sixth man Lance Stephenson, Indiana is getting a more consistent offensive threat from Ellis. That could heavily impact the Pacers’ NBA playoff chances this spring.
Ellis, like George, can take over a game with his sound offensive game. This gives the Pacers another strong scoring option should George face intensified defensive pressure in the playoffs. Ellis has shown in his lengthy NBA career with the Golden State Warriors, the Milwaukee Bucks, the Dallas Mavericks, and now the Pacers that he can put up 25 points nightly to ignite an NBA offensive if need be.
The biggest criticism of Ellis is that is ball-dominant offensive skill set is not a winning style of basketball. Though he has played on playoff caliber teams throughout his career, it seems that he’s unlocking more on both ends of the hardwood in Indiana than he has anywhere else.
If the Pacers are going to contend in the East, George will have to do the bulk of the heavy lifting on offense. But with Ellis in support, the team now has arguably its most dynamic offense in years.
Next: 4. Frank Vogel