The Indiana Pacers are on a lookout for a player capable of filling the void left by injured small forward Paul George. With just few weeks to go before tip-off, there are speculations that Boston Celtics forward Jeff Green could be the Pacers' trade target before the start of the season.
After reaching the Eastern Conference finals for the second consecutive last year, the Pacers enter the 2014-15 season with tempered expectations primarily because of the injury to their star player.
George, who averaged 21.7 points and 6.8 rebounds and played a big part of the Pacers' resurgence as of late, will likely miss next season as he goes through a lengthy rehab after suffering a fractured leg during an exhibition game with Team USA in Las Vegas in August.
George's injury is certainly a big blow to a franchise with high hopes of becoming a major title contender. The two-time NBA All-Star has not only been the Pacers' main offensive weapon, but their best perimeter defender.
Larry Bird, the Pacers' head of basketball operations, tried to address their need for a wingman immediately after George's injury by trying to sign veteran small forward Shawn Marion. Unfortunately for them, the Matrix decided to join LeBron James and the retooled Cleveland Cavaliers for a chance to win another title.
Left with no choice, Bird pulled off a gamble by inking journeyman Chris Singleton, who averaged 4.1 points and 3.1 boards in his first three seasons with the Washington Wizards.
Bird stressed that George's injury coupled with Lance Stephenson's departure (now with Charlotte Hornets) won't force the Pacers to tank the entire season, believing his team is still capable of reaching the postseason even without their leading scorer.
Green, who has been mentioned in numerous trade scenarios over the past two seasons, is reportedly being eyed by the Pacers as a replacement while George recovers from the serious injury.
The 28-year old Green averaged career-high 16.9 points and 4.6 rebounds in 34 minutes per game with the Boston Celtics. Despite the fact that he's not on the same level with George as a defender, Green can be a high-impact player on the offensive of the floor because of his versatility.
At 6-foot-10, Green can create mismatches in both forward positions, as his size is too big for a small forward and his agility is too much for traditional big power forwards in the league.
For the Pacers to get Green, there are suggestions that it may take a package consists of Luis Scola, Chris Copeland and possibly a draft pick. Both proven veterans, Scola and Copeland could be big additions to the Celtics' frontline. And with their deals expiring at the end of next season, acquiring them would be a low-risk, high-reward move for the rebuilding Celtics.
