Travis Diener

Diener is a classic "tweener" – too slow to handle the point guard position on a full-time basis, and too small (6-1, 165) to defend most NBA shooting guards. Because of the Jamaal Tinsley's injuries and the Pacers' lack of depth at the point, Diener was overexposed, playing 20.5 minutes per game. Following the acquisitions of T.J. Ford and Jarrett Jack, Diener is down to third on the depth chart and will play far less frequently. He also had surgery on his left foot in May and has been slow to heal. The one thing he'll offer from a roto capacity is a good three-point shot, but with a lack of regular playing time, it'll be pretty difficult to justify a spot on your active roster to chase those threes.

The Pacers gave Diener a three-year contract to backup Tinsley this summer, continuing a theme of wanting to find good outside shooters. Diener will do that, but the Pacers might find themselves needing Diener to play more minutes than he is capable, if/when Tinsley gets hurt. The knock on Diener has always been his lack of foot-speed - he has trouble against full-court defenses and guarding opposing point guards.

Diener had a productive summer, averaging 16 points and seven assists. With such productivity, Coach Hill might need to find some time to see what he can do during the actual season, but don't expect him to get any significant time.

With the signing of Keyon Dooling, Travis Diener will be buried on the depth chart. He simply doesn't have the footspeed to cut it in the NBA, but he could develop into a three point specialist down the road (44.2% from three point range in '01-'02).