The Indiana Pacers feel that they can contend with the Miami Heat in the East after taking the team to seven games in the conference finals this year and after signing Chris Copeland they like their bench, but after getting his knee scoped they may need some reserves.
According to Pro Basketball Talk, Copeland had his knee scoped and while he is expected to be back for training camp, the six to eight weeks of recovery could be a lot for the Pacers and they may try to sign a player just in case it takes longer. The report says that Tyrus Thomas could be an option after he was amnestied by the Bobcats and if Kwame Brown is released by the Sixers he could be an option as well. Copeland starred with the Knicks last season and signed an offer as a restricted free agent to join the Pacers.
Coperland is expected to be back for training camp and the start of the season, but the Pacers may want some insurance just in case. The team has an abundance of players there after making the Luis Scola trade and also signing back David West, who along with Roy Hibbert gives the team a strong front court. Copeland was solid last season while averaging 8.7 points a game and shooting 42.1 percent from three and he will bring that to the Pacers this season once he is back.
Brown may be released by the Sixers and GM Sam Hinkie and if he is, the Pacers could sign him as a possible backup for Hibbert and to soften the blow of Copeland. Both Brown and Thomas are not transcendental players, but they could provide some depth on the bench for the team. Speaking of the bench, Scola, who was traded from the Suns, said he would have no problem coming off the bench if it means that the team wins, saying that he is 32 and doesn't care about starting.
Scola was acquired from the Suns after he was amnestied earlier by the Rockets and the team gave up Miles Plumlee and Gerald Green in the deal and now the Pacers have one of the most consistent forwards in the league. Lance Stephenson may also be coming off the bench if Danny Granger starts and Paul George will be the focal point on offense as he develops into a star player and now that Scola is in the fold, the team feels it has enough to beat Miami.
