March 18, 2008

A Match Made in Heaven (Or Indiana)

I heard somewhere that the NCAA tournament begins this week, and like many humans I’m a big fan. Not just for the sloppy shooting and overzealous emotion of the college kids, but also the chance to see some of next year’s rookies. In past years, future NBA stars Adam Morrison, JJ Redick, and Shelden Williams have had dominant tournaments that catapulted them to high draft picks and their subsequent establishment as franchise cornerstones. With that in mind, I popped over to Draft Express to see what they’re projecting for this summer’s draft, when what to my wondering eyes should appear? Kevin Love, slotted eleventh, thereby fulfilling his destiny of going to the Indiana Pacers.

You see, Indiana’s long standing tradition of institutional racism has brought about some strange results. Not only did they indirectly eliminate the Dallas Mavericks from last year’s playoffs, but for the past twenty years the Pacers have had at least one big white fellow.

In 1988, the Pacers acquired foreigner’s Rik Smits and Detlef Schrempf and the legacy began. Through the years, Indiana has soothed their fans by employing such legends as Dwayne Schintzius, Scot Pollard, and Austin Croshere. Last year’s acquisitions, Mike Dunleavy, Jr. and Troy Murphy, joined the surprisingly long-tenured Jeff Foster in an attempt to be the first frontcourt to survive solely on 15 foot jumpers.

And though there currently may be little room for Love in Indiana’s crowded big man rotation, a trade of noted brawler Jermaine O’Neal seems likely. With his clean reputation, lack of startling athleticism, and grasp of Right Way skills (rebounding, passing, not being particularly great at anything) Kevin Love was born to be a Pacer.

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