I was watching [Bruce Brown’s 2022-23 Season Highlights](https://youtu.be/vSKVS-HKoMA)
and I noticed that his highlights are plays can generally be grouped into 3 categories.
His highlights are situations in which he:
1. Gets out & runs on fast breaks
2. Makes a defensive impact & fills lanes
3. Cuts or creates space for a passer in the half-court, particularly Jokic
\#1 is our playstyle. \#2 we desperately need.
But 3 is what will be the most impactful in the half court.
Jokic is an elite passer. No arguing there. And, if you’ve been watching, so is Haliburton.
In our half court offense, I have found we often stagnate when Haliburton has the ball because there are 4 people standing & staring.
I am of the opinion that Bruce Brown adds a much needed element to our somewhat stagnate half court game.
#Bruce Brown has the ability to create offensive movement and flow without the ball
Now I’m not saying he’s the scorer or even the assister in these scenarios, but he’s often looking to cut or get into space in a way that, at minimum, defenses have to react to … creating space for others to move into and creating flow in the half-court.
As I watched the highlights, over and over again, Bruce Brown was the first to cut or the first mover on each play.
If that doesn’t appeal or speak to you, I’ll just say the Pacers have been clear that they dont think height is as important as ability to guard 1-4, or what they like to call versatility.
Bruce Brown might be only 6’4″, but has a 6’9″ wingspan with deceptively quick feet. He plays great team defense with the speed to recover, can switch 1-4, loves to run the way the Pacers do, but most importantly to me… he moves and creates without the ball in the half court.
Our team is top tier on the fastbreak, #1 in fastbreak points/game last year. But #25 in the halfcourt. Bruce Brown will help us in this area.
What do you think? I’d love to hear constructive criticism or opinions of other fans!
by TrentonGreener
4 Comments
he’d be the Draymond to Hali’s Steph while Jarace gets more exp
The more I think about it the more I like the deal. And I agree with everything you said Bruce Brown will have a good impact on both ends and hopefully instill some things in our team for the longterm. Was it an overpay, yes, but since its a team option second year and we’re not in a rush to optimize the roster yet, its not a big deal. The FO knows what theyre doing I trust them.
Yeah, he does a ton of things well on both sides of the ball.
You know, I don’t think this has to be one thing or the other in terms of reactions. I think it’s ok to lament that they likely overpaid but also appreciate the skillset he provides.
Good analysis. Brown does a lot of the things that I hope Mathurin will learn to do – defensively be in the right place at the right time, intuitively move off ball, etc