2007-2008 in Review
Record: 36-46
Eastern Conference Seed: 9
Summer of 2008
Key Additions: T.J. Ford (via trade), Brandon Rush (via trade), Roy Hibbert (via trade), Jarrett Jack (via trade), Rasho Nesterovic (via trade), Josh McRoberts (via trade), Austin Croshere (via free agency).
Key Losses: Jermaine O’Neal (via trade), Kareem Rush (via free agency), Ike Diogu (via trade), David Harrison (via free agency), Andre Owens (via free agency).
On July 9, the Jermaine O’Neal era officially and finally came to a close in Indiana, as he was shipped to Toronto along with the draft rights to Nathan Jawai (41st overall) in exchange for dazzling guard T.J. Ford, veteran center Rasho Nesterovic, athletic forward Maceo Baston, and the draft rights to Roy Hibbert (17th overall).
This is a move that was long overdue. Despite the love and support O’Neal has from the Indiana faithful, it was time for a change. It was time to pick a direction. It was time to rebuild. It was time to move on.
Any time you give up a six-time All-Star big man, it’s a tough pill to swallow in some respects, even if this one just so happens to be frequently injured and coming off of his worst season as a Pacer. However, the incoming package is nothing to complain about.
T.J. Ford, who has also battled injuries (most notably involving his spine) throughout his young career, is undoubtedly one of the league’s quickest guards, as well as perhaps one of its better playmakers.
When healthy, Ford is a guy that can create and get his teammates involved at a very high level. Throughout the 2006-07 season, the super-quick facilitator held averages of 14 points and 7.9 assists per game, equal to 18.7 points and 10.6 assists per 40 minutes. As long as the 25-year-old guard can manage to avoid the injury bug, his skills and style should mesh perfectly with Jim O’Brien’s desired tempo and offensive philosophies.
Another promising youngster acquired in this deal is Roy Hibbert, who was one of the most fundamentally sound collegiate centers throughout his junior and senior years at Georgetown.
Though a bit sluggish and slow, Hibbert is an extremely polished basketball player, with a terrific understanding of the game and a true love of playing it. He knows how to get position, he’s got a beautiful touch, and he’s an absolutely outstanding passer out of the post, which should bode well for him in Indiana. Despite his lateral disadvantages, he is an exceptional shot blocker who can help protect the basket on the defensive end.
Don’t expect future stardom from the 7’2’’ rookie, but expect a very productive career, a great locker-room presence, and a true winner.
Hibbert also has a vastly similar veteran to learn from in Rasho Nesterovic.
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2 months ago
Check out the one-on-one interview with TJ Ford at www.thegoodpoint.com
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