Roster Options

The Pacers currently have 19 players in the mix and only 15 available roster spots making the competition for the last few spots the toughest in recent memory. There is additional intrigue since 11 of these players were not with the team last year, so the fear of the unknown always lurks behind any flash of brilliance. There is no doubt that Maceo Baston, Josh Powell, Rawle Marshall made a strong impression in the opening preseason game. There's also no doubt these guys will dwell on the active roster bubble throughout camp. Here's how I break down the roster at this point (barring any convictions or additional trips to the hooscow).

Starters: O'Neal, Harrington, Granger, Jackson, Tinsley
Solid reserves: Harrison, Foster, Jasikevicius, White, Armstrong, Williams, Daniels
Bubble reserves: Edwards, Baston, Powell

Tough cuts: Marshall, Lampley, Greene, Hunter

This listing is based on how I think the Pacers front office and coaches break it down. I understand that John Edwards may appear like a cut option to most in order to make room for Rawle Marshall or Orien Greene. But with his size, Edwards can contribute in many ways with spot minutes and six useful fouls against big teams. He also provides a nice look for preparation in practice. With Greene's broken finger he may not have enough time to separate himself from the pack of athletic swing players already on the roster. Marshall simply lacks experience, while it is just a numbers game for Snap Hunter and Lampley.

With the pace of the Club Rio incident this may all change in the next day or two but for now this roster would give the Pacers the most flexibility.