Candace Buckner

IndyStar

A week ago, as rumors sprouted about a trade involving guard George Hill and Atlanta Hawks point guard Jeff Teague, Indiana Pacers president of basketball operations Larry Bird calmed the concerns of his player. According to several people familiar with the situation, Bird informed Hill a deal would not happen.

Thursday afternoon, Bird’s message remained true.

Nothing happened.

The Pacers (28-25) stayed in character and did not make a deal. Over the years, the Pacers have been one of the least active teams in the league at the trade deadline. Since 1997, Indiana has made just four trades on deadline day. Though the team completed the surprise move of the 2014 deadline -- beating the buzzer to send veteran Danny Granger to Philadelphia for Evan Turner and Lavoy Allen -- the Pacers have not traditionally been a player in the frenzy that fills the day. Thursday was no different, much to the satisfaction of Paul George who wanted the 15-man roster intact for the final 29 games of the regular season.

“We certainly have the pieces to win with what we have,” George said a day before the trade deadline. “I don’t know if it’s the right time to change it up. Who knows? This second half we could really turn it around.”



So, no trades – but a question arises. Now that the deadline is over, did the Pacers even possess the assets to make something happen?

Pacers at the trade deadline: A historical mixed bag

The Pacers could not find a deal for swingman Chase Budinger, whose camp wanted him on a team where he can play in the final year of his contract. Early on Budinger, who impressed coach Frank Vogel with his shooting and running ability over the summer, appeared as if he could play a key role in the Pacers’ uptempo, small-ball experiment. However, the 27-year-old Budinger has endured a season-long struggle in understanding his role within the team's shifting philosophy.

After December, Budinger stopped playing significant and consistent minutes. He is averaging career-low figures in points (4.5), field-goal percentage (.407) and minutes per game (15.5), and has fallen out of the rotation. Before the All-Star break, Budinger appeared for spot minutes in just two of the last 10 games.

Pacers shopping Chase Budinger at NBA trade deadline

“Just got to stay ready,” Budinger said after practice on Thursday. “Can’t control minutes. Coach has to handle it. If my name is called, I’ll stay ready.”

Third-year forward Solomon Hill, who heard his name bandied about in trade rumors earlier in the season, also didn't spark much action before the deadline. More than any other Pacer, Hill has bounced along in a quixotic season. He began this season as a returning starter but appeared in only six games through October and November. Then, Hill jumped back into the rotation to become a fourth-quarter player in close losses to Miami, Chicago and Denver. Now, as the team has shifted to smash-mouth basketball with its starting unit, the bench rotation continues to be unsteady but the 6-7 Hill, more of a defensive specialist than an offensive threat, has found minutes at the four.

Pacers� Stuckey still weeks from returning

Finally, there’s George Hill, who’s listed as a point guard but has often played off the ball with the Pacers. Hill has a desirable (i.e. short) contract, as well as a reputation as a player who protects possessions (averaging only 1.3 turnovers over his career). However, Hill’s skills as a play-it-safe guard can also be a detriment.

“Sometimes you can be too safe,” Vogel said on Feb. 4 about playmaking. When asked if Hill is “too safe” as a lead ball handler, Vogel responded: “Sometimes, yes he is.”

So, the Pacers have given creative license to Monta Ellis – willing to create and make tougher passes even at the risk of creating turnovers, averaging 2.8 a game this season – while Hill has been used more as a spot-up shooter. Hill has prospered in the corner as his career-best .431 3-point percentage ranks in the top 10 of the league. So while he may not be a guy who makes the phone ring on deadline day, Hill fits perfectly for the Pacers.

Before chartering a flight to Oklahoma City to begin a three-game road trip, all available players participated in the team’s last practice. So as the Pacers, currently ranked sixth in the conference, try to make a playoff push, this is the roster expected to make something happen.

“I’ve said all along I like this group,” Vogel said. “I think we haven’t reached our potential and found out what our ceiling is. ...The goal is not so much the standings and piling up wins right now as it is putting ourselves in playoff position, obviously, but playing our best basketball going into the playoffs."

Follow Star reporter Candace Buckner on Twitter: @CandaceDBuckner.

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PACERS TRADES ON DEADLINE DAY

2014

• Indiana traded Danny Granger to Philadelphia for Evan Turner and Lavoy Allen.

2012

• Indiana acquired Leandro Barbosa from Toronto for an unconditional 2012 second-round draft pick, and cash.

1997

• Indiana traded F Darvin Ham to Denver for G Jerome Allen.

• In another deadline deal with Denver, Indiana acquired G Mark Jackson and F/C LaSalle Thompson for G/F Vincent Askew, F Eddie Johnson and second-round draft picks in 1997 and 1998.