Pacers elevate Ben Hansbrough to backup PG ahead of D.J. Augustin

Indiana Pacers coach Frank Vogel is ready to make a change to his playing rotation in an effort to shake up his second unit.

Mike Wells reports that Vogel plans to use rookie point guard Ben Hansbrough as his backup point guard which will leave D.J. Augustin out of the playing rotation, at least in the short term.

Vogel: "We’re going to make a change for the SHORT term and give Ben an opportunity."

— Mike Wells (@MikeWellsNBA) December 10, 2012

Obviously, I'm a big fan of this move just because the risk level is so low. Augustin is shooting well below 30% and bringing little in the way of energy and production to the floor when he comes in off the bench.

After watching Hansbrough in summer league and preseason, expectations should vary quite a bit. However, his preseason work was far better than summer league which bodes well since he was playing in the same role he will assume on Wednesday when he hits the court against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Hansbrough struggled in summer league, playing to impress scouts while being a lead dog on the floor.

Now he is a role player off the bench who can bring some energy and maybe even knock down a couple of threes. He may also be able to get his brother to make a shot or two. As long as he takes care of the ball, obviously no small detail, B-Hansbrough should be fine in place of Augustin.

Wells also mentions that Augustin handled the situation well which isn't a surprise. I'm wondering if there is anything that would fire up Augustin to get emotional. He's certainly being challenged -- in a contract year -- so if this doesn't do it, I don't know what will.