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Indiana Pacers: Five Realistic 2016 Free Agent Targets

By Kyle Nishida

May 16, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers president of basketball operations Larry Bird speak to the press during a press conference at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
May 16, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers president of basketball operations Larry Bird speak to the press during a press conference at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 25, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Courtney Lee (1) argues a call in the second quarter against the Miami Heat in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Shooting Guard Courtney Lee

As mentioned throughout this slideshow, the Indiana Pacers need more scoring off the bench. Courtney Lee is guard who could certainly someone who could play well off the bench or start over Monta Ellis.

The 30-year-old shooting guard has played for six different teams in his eight-year NBA career. Last season, he started 55 of 79 games between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Charlotte Hornets.

Lee is not a prolific scorer, but he is capable of giving a team 10 points a night as a starter or a bench player. He is a tenacious defender and does an excellent job defending on the ball and off the ball.

The Pacers could use a reliable player like Lee on their bench. Again, he is not going to shock anyone with his play, but the Pacers can count on him being an active, productive player every night.

Also, the Pacers do not want a huge dropoff defensively when they change from their starters to their bench players. If Lee subs in for Ellis, then the Pacers actually improve defensively.

The Pacers do have one thing in their favor if they are targeting Lee. Lee was born and played his high school ball in Indianapolis. At his age, Lee might be interested in playing for his hometown team, especially when the Indiana Pacers are in a win-now mode.

Lee gives the Pacers some flexibility within the roster. He is comfortable starting or coming off the bench. The Pacers do not have to start Lee over Ellis but having the option to do so is a luxury in today’s NBA.

Next: PG Jeremy Lin

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