PACERS: Rose-Thomas Relationship Enduring Growing Pains?

Rose-Thomas Relationship Enduring Growing Pains?

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INDIANAPOLIS, Dec. 19 - What's the deal with Jalen?

That is by far the most prevalent question stuffing the mailbox these days, as the relationship between head coach Isiah Thomas and star player Jalen Rose becomes source of public debate. Because so many readers have submitted questions about Rose, no single Inquisitor of the Week was chosen. Instead, I will endeavor to address this issue with a few hot buttons.

Jalen
Rose

Isiah
Thomas

In terms of playing time, Rose occasionally finds himself in a squeeze because Thomas has more alternatives now. Last year, he played point guard and small forward, two positions where the team suddenly found itself thin, and there were minutes galore. That has changed with the emergence of Jamaal Tinsley and Al Harrington as full-time players. Of course, this issue may be more perceived than real. Even with the slight decline of late (an average of 34.8 minutes over the past 13 games), Rose leads the team at 37.9.

As offensive options become more plentiful, Rose has seen his production decline, albeit slightly. O'Neal and Harrington are combining to average more than 31 points per game, an increase of 10 over last season. They're also combining for 28 shots per game, an increase of 11 over last season. Has that meant fewer shots for Rose? Actually, no. Rose is averaging 17.7 shots per game, up slightly from last year's 17.3 average. The sacrifice is being made by Miller, who is averaging 11.8 shots this year, down from 14.5 last year. So this, too, is more perception than reality.

With Rose at small forward and Tinsley at point guard, the Pacers are often overmatched against taller teams. That means bringing Harrington in to play small forward, when possible, with some combination of Jeff Foster, Austin Croshere and Jermaine O'Neal manning the two post positions.

It's possible Jalen is dealing with a basketball form of Jan Brady middle-child syndrome. He's stuck between the respected older star, Reggie Miller, and the exciting young rising stars, O'Neal, Harrington and Tinsley. As such, he is sensitive to the perception of being overlooked or taken for granted. The fact is, he is the one star on the roster who is fully in his prime and therefore has the responsibility to lead by example.

Coaches often challenge their strongest players as a way to get through to the rest of the team. Consider Thomas' background under Indiana University's Bob Knight, who has a long history of riding his best players the hardest. In his new book, "The Fundamentals: 8 Plays for Winning the Games of Business and Life," Thomas writes about his relationship with Knight: "He ripped into me verbally and challenged me intellectually during my two years in the program. We butted heads a good part of the time and I often resented his tactics back then." Other Hoosier stars have faced the same crisis. In the player's response, the coach can find out about his makeup and commitment. Thomas grew to become one of Knight's most powerful allies.

Rose is the team's most talented player, one of the most versatile and productive in the NBA. The team needed him to score 20-25 points a game to compete last season; it does not this season. That doesn't mean Rose is needed any less. Ultimately, he'll adapt. It is, after all, what he does best.

Marc
Jackson

Q. I read that Marc Jackson of Golden State is unhappy with the minutes he is receiving and is hoping to be traded soon. I know that the Pacers showed interest in him over the summer. Do you think that the Pacers might try to work out a trade, and who do you think they would give up for him if they did? (From Walter in Chicago)

A. With the change in coaching from Dave Cowens to Brian Winters, it's unclear how Jackson's role might change with the Warriors, so it's possible they may be more reluctant to make a trade. Even so, there are a couple of points to consider. At 6-8, Jackson is really an undersized power forward, and not a true center. He is primarily a face-up scorer and doesn't have a reputation for strong defense or rebounding. What the Pacers are trying to find is a player big enough to defend centers whose primary talents are defense and rebounding.

Reggie
Miller

Q. I don't want anyone to force shots. Jalen, Jermaine, Al and others are taking good shots, so I wouldn't want to tell any of them to shoot less - just so a more famous player could shoot more. I think a decrease of two attempts per game seems reasonable for a 36-year-old guard on a very young team. I think it is more important that we continue to develop our younger players. In my tenure as a season-ticket holder, I've only seen three or four guys in a decade comfortable taking shots with the game on the line - Chuck (Person), Reggie, and Byron (Scott). I liked the shots that Al and Jermaine took at the end of the Knicks game, I just wish they didn't rush the shots - they had plenty of time. But that is something only learned by experience (and by experience, I mean trying, failing, then correcting.) Isiah played on teams with three or four threats (himself, Joe Dumars, Mark Aguirre, Vinnie Johnson) to score a game-winning shot; clearly, he's trying to develop the same versatility here. Your thoughts? (From Jay in Elmhurst, IL)

A. It's a necessity for Thomas to develop at least one, and preferably two or three, go-to options for end-game situations - for the future. Of course, Miller is still getting the job done but that can't last forever. The younger players should really study Miller; if they did, your point would be validated. Miller always has been at his best when he slows his game down a notch to gain full control in the final minutes, a lesson it took him a few years to learn.

Q. With the new year coming I've been thinking about years (and Pacers) past. Will we ever get to see "Slick" (Leonard) coach another Pacer game, even if just one? What a treat it would be to see a nationally televised game and instead of throwback jerseys, have throwback coaches! (From Ryan in Indianapolis)

A. If you listen to Slick as the radio analyst with regularity, you know he still coaches every game.

Charles
Oakley

Q. I heard a rumor that Charles Oakley wants to be traded to the Pacers. Have you heard of any talks with the Bulls? Although he definitely does not fit into the youth movement, he may be able to assist some of our younger guys. (From Ryan in Nashville, TN)

A. It's hard to figure out what kind of movement Oakley would fit in. He grumped his way out of Toronto and is in the process of doing so with the Bulls. While the Oakley of five years ago would be exactly what the Pacers are looking for, the Oakley of today is far less attractive. Veterans can only lead effectively when they can still produce on the court, otherwise their voices go unheard. In that regard, Oakley's time appears to have passed.

Al
Harrington

Q. Why isn't Al Harrington getting the opportunity to start any games this season? I haven't seen the plus-minus chart lately, but it seems like he provides much needed energy for the team. I think Isiah Thomas should let him start just one game and see how it works out. (From Sam in Columbus, IN)

A. While I certainly understand your desire to see more of Harrington - and an argument can be made that the first unit could certainly benefit from his energy and intensity - this would fall into the category of fixing what isn't broken. As it is, he's playing full-time minutes. Coming off the bench, he is able to match up either at small forward or power forward. That couldn't happen with the first unit. Coming off the bench, he fills the role of primary scorer. With the first unit, there are other mouths to feed. At the moment, Thomas' use of Harrington is working well for both the player and the team.