McRoberts or Hansbrough... Who Do We Keep?

by dbcb on Feb 12, 2011 12:10 PM EST

Let me get this out of the way now: Hansbrough and McRoberts are much better than I thought they would ever be already. Especially Tyler.

The problem with these two is that, although they are good NBA players, you don't want one of them starting for your team if you really want to contend. The power forward position is a murderous row of talent. We are talking about players like: Bosh, Garnett, Boozer, Smith/Horford, Stoudemire, Brand, Gasol/Odom, Duncan, Dirk, West, Milsap/Jefferson, Aldridge, Randolph, Scola, Lee, Griffin, and Love.

Both of them would be good-to-great backup 4's. Both are really too small to be a back up 5. We don't yet have that starting 4 that can compete with those guys that we desperately need.

So, let us say Bird stuns us all and gets us that PF after the lockout. Who do you want to stick around and who do you want us to trade for assets? We don't need both... who you like more... Hans or McBobs?

After the jump... the stats.

All stats are per 36 minutes as it is a more accurate representation in this case.

McRoberts:

11 ppg on 8.5 shots, 51% fg, 36% 3s, 68% FT, 8.7 reb, 3.5 ast, 1 blk, 1 st, 2 TO

15 PER, 58% TS, 13% TRB (19% D, 7% O), 15% ast, 1.5% st, 3% blk, 16.6% TO

Hansbrough:

17 ppg on 13 shots, 45% fg, 0% 3s, 83% FT, 9 reb, 1 ast, .7 st, .5 blk, 2 TO

15 PER, 53% TS, 14% TRB (17% D, 11% O), 5.5% ast, 1% st, 1% blk, 12% TO

I personally give my vote to McBob. I like his range, his passing (Hans is a black hole), and his defense is much better than Tyler's due to McBobs athletic ability. He is also younger and a bit taller I believe. I also think he is a better rebounder than Tyler as I think Tyler's offensive rebounding percentage is skewed to getting his own misses back. You also can't discount the "highlight reel" factor... things like that can wake a team up a start a run.

Hans has his qualities as well though. He is a much better scorer, doesn't turn the ball over as much, much better free throw shooter... and he is just downright a pain in the ass to play against. And you need that sort of player on your team as well. He can start runs as well just be frustrating the heck out of the opposing team.

For those that say it is too early to judge them both... I agree. However, we don't have the luxury to wait 2-3 years to decide on these guys. I would imagine the power forward spot will be the spot we address this offseason. DC is our PG. DG is our SF. Hibbert is our C. And George really looks like he is going to shore up the SG spot. Also, I believe McRobert's is a free agent after this year. We need to decide by the end of the year which one of these guys we will choose. We don't need them both. So, if you were Bird... who do YOU choose?

Poll

Who is our future back-up PF?

Josh McRoberts

74 votes

Tyler Hansbrough

113 votes

Neither, they aren't back up worthy

2 votes

189 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 34 comments | 0 recs |

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Comments

keep both

we need a young center to either back up hibbert or vice versa. get rid of solo and foster

by ErK2044 on Feb 12, 2011 1:10 PM EST reply actions

Get rid of Solo, keep foster.

by Benajamin38 on Feb 14, 2011 5:55 AM EST up reply actions

Keep Both

There are really only two plays: Romeo and Juliet, and put the darn ball in the basket. ~Abe Lemons
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and Hickory-High

by Ian Levy on Feb 12, 2011 2:05 PM EST reply actions

I'd be happy keeping both if McBobs was cheap

I think we only trade Hansbrough if someone comes along who really, really wants him. Until then, he’s a very, very good backup PF and someone who we can probably look at extending for cheap in a couple years. As for McBobs, a contract in the $2-3 million range per year, at as many years as he wanted, figuring a $50-$55 million hypothetical cap, would be fine with me.

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by LukeNukem on Feb 12, 2011 2:17 PM EST reply actions

Y'all think McBob's is big enough to back up 5?

by dbcb on Feb 12, 2011 3:33 PM EST reply actions

No

And he sucks at it. Natural PF, according to the stats. And while he’s kind of surprised me with his defense this year, I don’t see him faring well against actual 5s; not even backups.

I think he’d be ideal as a 3rd string PF, or in a worse case scenario Hansbrough’s backup if Hansbrough becomes the starter. Given the injuries the Pacers have dealt with the last several years, I don’t think it’s too much to pay a guy you know is decent (but nothing more than decent) a couple mil a year to add depth.

"You're hitting the wrong person. Don't you know you're hitting Ron Artest?"

Come visit The Fantasy Ninjas. We'd love to hear from you.

by LukeNukem on Feb 12, 2011 3:48 PM EST up reply actions

As for now keep both

I kind of look at Josh and Tyler as package,They both bring something a little different to the floor.As long as we continue to win I’m happy with our 2 Power Fowards in one.

by gut19 on Feb 12, 2011 5:01 PM EST reply actions

I agree, as of now we should keep both. But as far as the future goes, I suppose it depends on what the team is most in need of: McRoberts is perhaps slightly better in many aspects, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a player who hustles and plays his heart out every time more than Hansbrough does. Therefore, if we’re a team that’s in need of a glue kind of guy, then keeping Hansbrough is the best choice given the way he can really fire up the team and the crowd with his effort. However, if we’re looking for a guy who can contribute just a bit in every aspect such that we don’t suffer anywhere, then McRoberts is a better choice.

by Akshay R on Feb 12, 2011 10:46 PM EST reply actions

Huh?

They are both playing great right now. I must admit, I was not a McRoberts fan in the beginning of the season but without O’Brien, he has really come to life. Hansbrough is a must keep and may end up being the steal of his draft. He is putting up great numbers and isn’t even starting. He brings great energy and knows how to win and play effectively. It isn’t pretty but have you ever watched Kevin Love? Looks slow and prodding at times but they both know when to explode. Pacers need to keep both and force Foster to retire.

by shiki31 on Feb 12, 2011 10:56 PM EST reply actions

Force Foster to retire?

are you serious? c’mon Jeff Foster has been a real good contributor this year, although his contract is a bit expensive, but nontheless a good player.

by latrell spreewel on Feb 14, 2011 11:04 PM EST up reply actions

Keep both

I do think McRoberts is a serviceable power forward, but so is Hansbrough. While I don’t think Tyler is ready yet, I can see him developing into the white version of David West if he can hit that 15-20 footer a little more consistantly. If McBobs is cheap, he can give us quality depth. At least he’s better than Solo.

by bigdawg9292 on Feb 13, 2011 12:33 AM EST reply actions

If I really had to choose...

I’d keep McBob because he offers a better all-around game. A better defender than Hansbrough and certainly a better passer. To be honest, I actually think that McBob is a quality starter at PF. I don’t think he’s gonna ever gonna be a real force, but he is a nice complement to the other players in the starting line-up. The simple fact is that he doesn’t need to score a whole ton, as long as he rebounds and defends well he is a perfect fit with the other guys. I could actually see this team being very competitive, perhaps even a contender, next year given the starting lineup will likely include George and everyone will be more comfortable with one another and experienced. I believe that McBob is a jump shot away from being a bit of a headache for other teams.

by infinityzero.systemerror on Feb 13, 2011 4:16 AM EST reply actions

Agree about the jump shot...

And we have been seeing some fledgling post moves developing as well.

by Benajamin38 on Feb 14, 2011 6:03 AM EST up reply actions

championship contenders usually do not have all stars in every position.

I like both players a lot and don’t want to see either go, they both hustle and bust their butts every game and try to do their best. People tend to forget that Josh Mcrobert is just about to turn 24 later this month, dude has a boat load of untapped potential with his all around game. My advice to him would be to put some muscle on so he can play a little rougher down load.
Really wish the entire team follows Roy Hibbert’s summer regimen.

by latrell spreewel on Feb 14, 2011 11:09 PM EST up reply actions

I voted Tyler

This was an excellent breakdown of the two players. Essentially they are the same player, except Tyler is a good free throw shooter and Josh is a great passer.

When considering the role of a backup 4, I am not so sure that being a black hole is a detriment. He is the 4th or 5th scoring option. His job should be to force the ball into the bucket or get fouled and make free throws. This suits Tyler perfectly.

His bull in a china shop mentality coupled with his free throw abilities make him a weapon off of the bench. I really think Tyler has the ability to be the second coming of Antonio Davis, and man wouldn’t we like to have a guy like that.

I agree that we need to get a better 4 for a starter, and I think we need to get a veteran 5 for a backup and a young guy to make into a project.

by indycrr on Feb 13, 2011 10:29 AM EST reply actions

Keep Both...Agreed!

Why keep both? You all have stated excellent facts as to why both have value. However, think about this little nugget regarding Josh McRoberts. What if Josh was given more time to gain more power and strength to his 6-10" frame. Would you reconsider?

Also, has anyone start to notice the elite teams are getting older. Lakers, Celtics, Heat, and San Antonio for example have maybe 2 more years left in the tank. The Pacers on the other hand have nothing but upside. That means you wouldn’t add a 30 year old free agent PF to a young developing squad.

by naptowngreat on Feb 13, 2011 7:27 PM EST reply actions

+1

by gut19 on Feb 13, 2011 8:23 PM EST up reply actions

+1

by Benajamin38 on Feb 14, 2011 5:56 AM EST up reply actions

Cheaters...

Money is suddenly constricting, can’t keep both. Which do you choose?

by infinityzero.systemerror on Feb 14, 2011 6:06 AM EST up reply actions

Haha, ok Josh McRoberts

I think he could develop into something quite handy. Your jump shot point was a good one. He is also a more traditional size for a PF.

by Benajamin38 on Feb 14, 2011 6:55 AM EST up reply actions

I was like a lot of people and though McBob was just an effort guy. . .

I think McBob has been one of our better players for this stretch. Both guys really took it to Bosh when we went to Miami. I know Bosh aint exactly Mr Universe but he is still an All Star. With Josh’s length and athleticism and Tyler’s Strength they both bring something different. I personally think we should bring in a back-up C/PF rather than a starting PF.

by Benajamin38 on Feb 14, 2011 6:03 AM EST reply actions

they aren't good enough

to start for a team that wants to to do anything.

Hell, just look at the teams that are above us in the East.

Garnett, Bosh, Boozer (and Gibson behind him), Josh Smith and Horford, Amare, and Brand.

Only team without a beast at the 4 spot are the Magic, but it isn’t as necessary when you have Dwight Howard back there (and Bass and Anderson aren’t bad players). I wouldn’t call Brand a beast anymore but he actually has been quite good this year (15 and 9 with 1 block, 1 steal 52% shooting, 19 PER).

McBob and Tyler just aren’t of that caliber

by dbcb on Feb 14, 2011 7:25 AM EST up reply actions

The guys you have just listed are all studs for there respective teams.

Not once has anyone said that these guys are gonna be perenial all stars but i think they will fight anyone tooth a nail and they can contribute.

I personally don’t think they need to be that Calibur, for this team to be successful they just have to fulfil there role.

No one at the start of the season for Josh McRoberts would be a starter or even get meaningful minutes. Now there are people on this site, myself included who thinks he is/could be a decent starter.

We have beaten Philly twice, we have beaten Miami once, in south Beach. When we played New York, Danny Granger Spent a long time at the 4. We played Chicago and D-Rose and Luol Deng killed us both times. Paul Pierce went nuts when we played the C’s. The only time when we have been battered by a power forward combo i can remember this season was against Atlanta. That was upsetting. . .

The majority of those losses were under JOB’s reign and James Posey was getting meaningful mins, are rebounding was atrocious and there were times when Solo was active.

I think we need to be a bit more patient with these guys. At the end of the season if we haven’t made the playoffs and the Vogel effect has worn off I will concede that we need an upgrade but at this point in time i am willing to see what happens.

by Benajamin38 on Feb 14, 2011 7:53 AM EST up reply actions

To be fair...

We made it to the finals without a premier 4. The lakers have done it. The spurs have done it, since Duncan played at Center a lot. Orlando made it to the finals with a softie at the 4.

by infinityzero.systemerror on Feb 14, 2011 9:04 AM EST up reply actions

I guess you can do it

with Hall of Fame Centers………..

by dbcb on Feb 14, 2011 10:21 AM EST up reply actions

missed the "we" first time around

But even then… you kinda are wrong.

Dale Davis was the perfect compliment to a player like Smits. Big (6’11), strong, great defender and rebound… all the things Smits was lacking in.

Oh and guess what… the year we made it to the finals… Davis was actually an all star. So you could say he was one of the better PF’s around in order to accomplish that. And the was looked at highly enough that we could trade him for JO that off season.

by dbcb on Feb 14, 2011 10:32 AM EST up reply actions

ARG

starting quality =/= premier. McRoberts and Hans are not starter quality IMO.

Good players? Yes. Fun to watch… sure. Hustle is fun to watch. Worthy of starting on good team? No.

I know you guys like them but come on.

If we want to improve and make it to the top 4 in the East, the PF spot is THE spot to improve. PG is set with Collison. SF is set with Granger. C seems set with Hibbert. PG looks lik eh is gonna lock down the SG spot. The PF spot is where we can get the biggest upgrade

by dbcb on Feb 14, 2011 10:25 AM EST up reply actions

So your 1,2,3 & 5 are allowed to be just good but your PF have to be all stars?

I know Danny was an All Star but surely we can look at another position to be running with Danny? Why does it have to be the 4?

Anyway, I heard that Paul Pierce may possibly be out of the this years All Star game. He is having an MRI to look at an injury he picked up last night:

http://boston.sbnation.com/boston-celtics/2011/2/14/1992941/paul-pierce-injury-foot-mri-celtics

Maybe David Stern should go big and give McBob the position he deserves . . . :-D

by Benajamin38 on Feb 14, 2011 11:21 AM EST up reply actions

i dont understand

how you draw your conclusions from what I typed.

by dbcb on Feb 14, 2011 11:57 AM EST up reply actions

Well..

by Benajamin38 on Feb 14, 2011 12:10 PM EST up reply actions

(sorry I meant to type more but accidentally posted it)

Well you just suggested 4 good players to have regular spots in the line up and by your own admission you think McBob/Hans are good. So it just seems that you are keen on us having an All Star Caliber PF.

‘Garnett, Bosh, Boozer, Josh Smith and Horford, Amare, and Brand.’

My argument is that maybe are pf position doesn’t have to be premier just effective. Roles which I think they both can fill.

I just would like to see how they do with Vogel at the helm against good teams before we start trading them.

by Benajamin38 on Feb 14, 2011 12:15 PM EST up reply actions