The Pacers were encouraged by the game’s first star point guard Tyrese Halliburton and a new launch center Ivitsa Zubak they played together, writes Chloe Peterson of The Indianapolis Star (subscriber link).
Halliburton, who missed all of last season with a torn Achilles tendon, returned to action Wednesday for the first time since suffering a serious shin injury. Zubak, meanwhile, was limited to five games with Indiana after being acquired in February because of ankle and rib injuries.
“You can train as much as you want, but the number of repetitions will always be differentZubak said on Friday.Just standing with him for the first time on the floor, with P (askal Siakam)the whole starting lineup felt good, just to see what kind of looks are going to be out there, how other teams are going to guard us, how we use our offense.”
According to Peterson, Zubak admitted that he was a little surprised how soon Halliburton played, but said he’s looking forward to improving their pick-and-roll timing and chemistry. Halliburton said he will settle down with time and is already enjoying the process of learning to play with the Croatian big man.
“It will come with time, but I’m really sure of itHalliburton said Wednesday.I know what a good player he is and we all do, but I mean at halftime we were all thinking, ‘This is going to be a lot of fun.’ We know we all have to get a lot better and we will as the season goes on, but it was nice.”
Here’s more from all over Central:
- Application for signs and trading Peyton Watson showed flashes up that did Cavaliers so determined to acquire him in Thursday’s preseason opener, for Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com (subscription required). The former Nuggets forward had seven points, four rebounds, four assists and two blocks in 17 first-half minutes before sitting out the final two quarters. As Fedor detailed, Watson’s new teammates and coaches have been impressed with the 24-year-old’s “energy, drive, athleticism and versatility” during training camp. “He is a dynamic player“, head coach Kenny Atkinson said. “I want to see him in a short role. I want to see him not just floating around the perimeter. I want to see him rebound and kick the ball. Then cutting and tackling in attack. He is an active striker. He’s not just a great guy.”
- Third year Bykov forward Matas Bouzelis injured his right ankle in Friday’s preseason game against Memphis after “blocking highlights” and was later ruled out for the rest of the game, according to KC Johnson of the Chicago Sports Network (Twitter references). However, Bouzelis downplayed the injury after the game and said he would travel with the team to Sunday’s contest in Denver, as The Athletic’s Joel Lorenzi reported (Link to video on Twitter). “Just a little sore, no big deal– Buzel. … I think I’ll be ready for Sunday.” A great man Jalen Smith (left foot soreness) was out on Friday, adds Lorenzi (via Twitter), but the head coach Tiago Splitter expect this to be a short-term injury.
- Before Friday’s game, Splitter said he envisions a first-round pick eventually Daleen Swain becomes the “primary ball holder” for BykovLorenzo tweets. “He’s still getting used to that role, but I think in the future I see him as the main ball-carrier, creating for us“,” Splitter said. Swain, a 6’8″ guard/forward, had six points, four assists, two rebounds and two steals in 18 minutes Friday.