Chris Copeland Proving To Be Pacers’ Best Scorer

Oct 31, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Chris Copeland (22) drives to the basket against the Memphis Grizzlies at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The Indiana Pacers came into the season without two of their best players from last season in Lance Stephenson and Paul George, and needed someone to step up in the scoring department. Unfortunately, the Pacers lost quite a few more players due to injury in preseason action and are down to players who weren’t expected to have large roles this season.

One player that was expected to see a major minute increase from last season was Chris Copeland, and he has made the most of the opportunity that he has received.

Copeland has averaged 16.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game, and has shot 39.0 percent from the floor and 40.0 percent from behind the three-point arc. He has been the Pacers’ leading scorer through three games, and has taken on more of a role as far as leadership goes as well. Frank Vogel still hasn’t seen fit to start him over Solomon Hill, but there is no question that Copeland is the Pacers’ best scorer at this point in time.

He is one of the better shooters in the NBA, and is beginning to be more aggressive getting to the rim. Copeland isn’t the strongest player on the court, but he has a good post up game and a good arsenal of moves once he gets around the rim. He’ll need more work on finishing baskets in the paint, but it is good to see him being aggressive and trying to score for the Pacers.

Indiana has had Copeland for two years now, and he has become a major fan favorite at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. He has an excellent attitude and has a great work ethic as well. The Pacers are going to need him to continue spacing the floor well and scoring at a high level if they want any chance to make the playoffs.

Once everyone is back and healthy, Copeland will likely see some of his minutes taken away. Vogel’s love for Hill’s game might make it difficult for Copeland to get on the floor, but if he wants to prove that he is a good coach, Vogel will replace Hill in the rotation with Copeland.

All of that being said, it has been great to see Copeland coming into his own this season through the first few games. He is an exciting player to watch and always brings energy to the table every time he steps onto the court. Indiana isn’t going to win a lot of basketball games without their key players on the court, but Copeland will do everything he can to keep the Pacers’ offense running at a decent level.