I find it interesting how Tyrese was a media darling last year but the national media is much more subdued talking about him this year. I am a long time Pacers fan, he IS the reason all these pieces work. The trade for Tyrese saved the Pacers from mediocrity. Then they did a great job finding the right guys to play with him. Guys who love the game and have bought into the unselfish way Tyrese plays.
Yeah, I think people too often write off the Pacers' depth as something that benefits Tyrese rather than something that has developed in large part due to Tyrese's (and also Siakam's) unselfishness. You can look up and down the list and see guys who have benefited from playing in the Pacers' system, which is built around the way Tyrese plays.
Turner's scoring and efficiency went up when Tyrese arrived. Nesmith couldn't find a role on the Celtics and has improved drastically with the Pacers. Toppin's numbers in Indiana improved across the board compared to when he was with the Knicks. Nembhard and Shepherd weren't highly-touted draft picks but were able to make an immediate impact. Even Siakam went from a three-point shooter in the low 30s in Toronto to being nearly a 39% three-point shooter with the Pacers.
It's easier for role players to buy in when Tyrese and Pascal are so clearly bought in. It's also easier for them to play with confidence when they know Tyrese will get them involved and wants all of them to play freely--even if it means he takes fewer shots and on many nights won't be the leading scorer.