A healthy Chase Budinger can help Pacers in many ways

Free of pain, Chase Budinger sprinted up and down the court Sunday during the Indiana Pacers’ practice. Even though the regular season is still more than two weeks away, Budinger’s participation Sunday was an encouraging sign as the Pacers continue to tinker with their new offense.

Budinger’s speed is expected to have an impact as the Pacers hope to score more fast-break points. He showed flashes of his long stride during a short scrimmage with his new teammates.

At no point did Budinger’s right hamstring, a nagging injury that forced him to miss the previous three preseason games, bother him. Now, the next step for him is play in Tuesday’s exhibition against the Detroit Pistons (7 p.m.).

“I hope so; that’s the plan,” Budinger said of playing in his first game as Pacer. He added: “I’m excited. It’s a great group of guys and they’re very talented. I think I will fit in well with them. I can’t wait to get out there on the court and get that chemistry going with them.”

In July, the Pacers acquired Budinger in a trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves for Damjan Rudež. The move was made to help the Pacers become more athletic and bolster depth in the frontcourt. Coach Frank Vogel said Budinger’s versatility – his 6-7 frame, shooting ability and speed – should be valuable in both big and small lineups.

What Vogel wants to see most is Budinger help push the tempo by running by his defender in transition.

“He’s a great runner,” Vogel said. “We’re looking for guys who help us change ends and establish our fast-break, transition game. I think he’s going to be a big part of what we do.”

Budinger spent plenty of time in the gym before the start of training camp. But he said an increased workload to get in shape was what led to his hamstring injury. When the Pacers had their first practice of the season two weeks ago, Budinger had to watch his teammates from the sideline.

On Sunday, though, Budinger said he was able to run full speed without thinking about his right hamstring.

“It feels good to be back with the teammates doing all the drills and playing in all the five-on-fives and not be limited during practice,” he said. “We like to run, and that’s one of my strengths, getting up and down the court. With my shooting ability, we can space the floor.”

With the training staff limiting his running on the court the past two weeks, Budinger has spent the majority of his time on the court shooting. He shot a career-high 40 percent from behind the 3-point line in his last season with the Houston Rockets (2011-12). Last season, he shot 36 percent.

In an offense designed on guards penetrating to the paint to create open shots, Budinger realizes a lot of his success will be determined on whether he can make open 3-pointers.

“He’s a veteran, and he knows how to play the game the right way,” George Hill said of Budinger. “He’s going to be a major help for us when he gets out there.”

What Hill and Vogel do not want to see Tuesday is Budinger reinjure his hamstring. Vogel said Budinger will not have a restriction on how much he can play if he is on the court, but that the training staff will monitor him closely.

Entering his seventh season, Budinger wants to stay healthy, but also get enough minutes during the preseason to build his conditioning for the Oct. 28 season opener against the Toronto Raptors.

“The only way to get that is through playing,” Budinger said of his stamina. “I’m glad I’m able to come back when I can and not miss the whole preseason and get some games under my belt, get my legs back and take game shots.”

Injury report

Through three preseason games, rookie Joe Young has been productive off the bench, averaging 11.3 points. Young is doubtful for Tuesday’s game. Vogel said Young sustained a groin injury and is not expected to participate in Monday’s practice.

Hill and rookie Myles Turner participated during most of Sunday’s practice, but were held out late during the five-on-five scrimmages. Shayne Whittington, who sustained a sprained left ankle in Thursday’s game, was not limited Sunday.

Call Star reporter Nate Taylor at (317) 444-6484. Follow him on Twitter: @ByNateTaylor.

BLUE AND GOLD: Download IndyStar's Pacers app