IC Cold Links: Lot Of Small Talk Surrounding Indiana Pacers

Small markets, small ball, small margin for error.

Seems like we get into a lot of small talk when discussing issues surrounding the Indiana Pacers. Yesterday we hit on the problems for small markets which offered up some nice points from several readers.

Today Mike Wells has more on the Jim O'Brien keeping the Pacers in small ball mode to help the offense. Bruno also discusses Danny Granger's production issues of late and the link launching the story asks if Batman needs a Robin. The real problem though is that Granger is assuming the Batman role for the Pacers when he's ideally suited to be Robin. Granger can keep his batcave dream home, but having a scoring threat that can create his own shot running alongside him is really what this team needs.

And if not a Batman, the Pacers could use a couple more Robins to consistently share the scoring load. Roy Hibbert seemed ready to fit into those tights early in the season but burst a seam of late, so to speak. Lately, Darren Collison has shown flashes of masking up himself, but consistent production, not to mention playing time, keep the tights in wrapped in plastic for now.

To get through the season, the Pacers need a couple of Robins to emerge, or at least a Robin-by-committee with Brandon Rush and Paul George upping their impact. I still think the Pacers can get away with a low usage power forward that defends and rebounds and remains the last option on offense. But to make it work, the other offensive options have to do their part.

After the jump, a few more links of interest.

• Small ball may stay | The Indianapolis Star
  Mike Wells reports on Jim O'Brien's plans to continue utilizing a small lineup to help boost the Pacers sagging offense. We even get rare mention of a possible Lance Stephenson sighting.
• Share your thoughts about small ball options at the Indy Cornrows Facebook page (and please Like us while you're at it).
• Dr. Bruno examines Granger by the numbers
  Bruno's latest looks at Danny Granger's recent drop in production and what numbers translate into wins. Batman definitely needs a Robin to help out, although to be even more accurate, Robin needs a Batman.
• PACERS: Pacers Top Plays of the Week
  Pacers Top 10 Plays of the Week for the week of Jan. 1, 2011.
• Knicks top NBA-best Spurs - NYPOST.com
  The Knicks did the Pacers no favor with their impressive win over San Antonio which will surely have the Spurs in a sour mood the rest of the week. Fortunately the Spurs play again tonight, so if they beat the Celtics they won't be looking to get better on the Pacers.
• LeBron says Heat call themselves "The Heatles" - CBSSports.com
  Matt Moore tries to determine just how well the Heat match up with the Beatles.
• Andray Blatche nicknames Wizards ‘Wizelback’ | The Basketball Jones
  After watching Blatche and his clanking jumpers a couple of times last week, this made me laugh out loud. TBJ does it again...
• O.J. Mayo, Tony Allen involved in altercation on Grizzlies flight home - USATODAY.com
  Women and gambling debts never fail to mess with team chemistry. smh.