NBA Rumors 2018: Trevor Booker To Further Push The Indiana Pacers’ Playoff Hopes
Watching highlights of the games of the Philadelphia 76ers, people probably would not have even noticed Trevor Booker. That is because the 6-8 Booker averaged only 15 minutes' playing time in 33 games for the 76ers. Now the forward is reportedly being traded to Indiana to make room for forward-center Ersan Ilyasova, who was waived by the Atlanta Hawks.
It is self-evident that Philadelphia (Philly) needs another big man even with Joel Embiid healthy. He is only 23 and becomes prone to committing turnovers when tired.
Dario Saric is 6-10 but is more likely to knock down three-point shots. On any given night, the team would still go to J.J. Redick for the final shot.
Adopting the catchy slogan of "Trust the Process," Philly is a young team on the rise. It was logical that they would waive Trevor Booker after getting him for Jahlil Okafor in a trade.
Many analysts have stated that Booker is better off with the Pacers. This is a team that is quickly finding its identity after letting go of its centerpiece in Paul George.
Victor Oladipo is a proven All-Star, while Domantas Sabonis, also obtained from the George trade with Oklahoma, is averaging 12.2 points and 8.2 rebounds per game. Not bad at all.
Even at 30 years old, and with 7 years' experience in the NBA, Booker could well be the final piece needed to push the Pacers to a respectable playoff showing. Indiana currently ranks 5th in the Eastern Conference, with a surprising 34-27 win-loss card at the time of this writing.
The first contribution he can give is to Indiana's frontcourt. With that headband and bulky body, he can sometimes be mistaken for a smaller Demarcus Cousins.
For post-up plays and putbacks, Booker can be counted upon. Even though he only has a career average of 5.5 rebounds per game, Booker should still help Indiana with rebounding, at least lift the team up from a lowly 19th place in rebounding rate, Hoops Hype reported.
Finally, Booker has been doing amazing work cutting to the basket. Averaging 81 percent on baskets made while cutting, he is exactly what Indiana needs, being the second to the last team in the East in terms of efficiency on shots made after cutting to the basket.
While the Pacers have not announced the signing of Booker, the player himself tweeted, via a report by NBA.com, "Indy, let's go to work!"
