Indiana Pacers' head coach is facing a dilemma that involves Monta Ellis and Glenn Robinson III. Ellis missed their 110-94 blowout win over the Charlotte Hornets and will also miss the team's 3-game road trip to rehab his groin injury.
Robinson started in place for Ellis and will likely get the start again in the next three games. He started five games for the Pacers this season when Paul George missed time with an ankle injury. In those five starts, he averaged 15.2 points and 6.4 rebounds. Ellis has averaged 9.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 24 starts.
In the game against Charlotte, Robinson wasn't even close to scoring 15 points. He only scored three but contributed in other areas. He contributed three points, six rebounds, two assists, three blocks, a steal, and zero turnovers. However, these numbers do not speak of the impact that he had on the game.
As Gregg Doyel of Indystar.com put it: "So this is what the Indiana Pacers look like without Monta Ellis," Doyel said. They look like a defensive bully. Like an efficient, ball-moving offense. Like a group that just demolished one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference," he added.
It was the first time Robinson started beside George and he looked comfortable playing alongside the all-star. He does not need the ball to be effective. He plays defense, moves without the ball, moves the ball, and does not rely on isolation plays like Ellis.
"I thought he was great," George said. "I thought he was active with cuts, rebounding, moving the ball," he added. Ellis on the other hand, needs the ball to be effective. However, George needs the ball in his hands too. And Myles Turner also needs his touches.
Ellis has willingly taken a back seat this season and has learned to play alongside his teammates without demanding the ball every time. This maybe one of his ways of showing his leadership as the team's co-captain (along with George).
The Pacers become a longer and bigger team when Robinson III plays with the starting lineup. They also become a better defensive team. Ellis' defense or his lack of it is no secret to opposing teams. He's 6-foot-3, 186-pound body just isn't wired for defense. Meanwhile, Robinson III's 6-foot-6, 222-pound body has enough quickness and toughness to make the Pacers a tougher defensive team.
Ellis is scheduled to be back on December 19 when the Washington Wizards visit Bankers Like Fieldhouse. McMillan has until then to decide if he should move him to the second unit.
"We're going to put the players out there who give us the best chance to win," McMillan said. If the Pacers do well on their road trip and if Robinson can make significant contributions, it will most likely be the turn of Robinson's and Ellis' season and career.
