Scott Agness’ Mailbag — Nov. 23, 2015

I’ll answer a collection of questions sent my way via email and Twitter. Send me your questions for the chance to have yours included. (Comments are also welcome.)

The Pacers are 8-5, good for fourth in the Eastern Conference. After their 0-3 start, they have won eight of their last 10 games with their only losses coming to Cleveland and Chicago — by four points and one point, respectively.

They now play five of their next six games on the road, the only home game being on Friday against Chicago (note: 8pm ET tip-off).

Let’s get to your questions…

Paul George fires a jumper against the Milwaukee Bucks. [Photo: Frank McGrath/PS&E]

Well, I can’t evaluate where he’s at mentally but I would say he is just about there physically. He’s playing at an incredible level, even better than I was expecting this early into the season. Remember, surgery to repair his compound fracture was even a full 16 months ago.

I asked him about it a few weeks ago. Watch his response.

JBriggeman:Any chance Indiana can move to the Western Conference? Only five winning teams over there, should be easier…

Well, much of that is because of stiffer competition out west. What Dallas has done here early, a 9-5 start, has caught my attention. So, too, has Golden State. They are playing well and have so much fun together. I hope they’re 22-0 when they’re in Indy next month.

@firstclassfob: can Pacers sign Jordan Hill to an extension now?

Contracts for fewer than four years cannot be extended. They’ll have to wait until next July to re-sign him, should they chose to. He’s playing on a one-year deal worth $4 million.

@kylecox13: do you know anything about PG’s Gatorade commercial? haven’t seen it anywhere and it’s been about 2 months

I’ve gotten this question from several fans. The Gatorade commercial that Paul George shot in a locker room at Bankers Life Fieldhouse before the season won’t come until March Madness. So, it’s going to be a while.

There’s a chance a scene appears for a few seconds in a Cam Newton spot in December, I’ve been told, but that would only play regionally.

@Beckman24Joe: any new details on whether area 55 will be replaced? you can’t buy single game tickets in that section

I expect the Pacers to officially announce this soon. Mountain Dew is the marquee sponsor.

@Mwalker_73: once Turner gets to form, who’s at starts at C and who at PF? J.Hill, I.Mahinmi, M.Turner, etc..

This question arrived before Turner’s injury that’ll cost him over a month of playing time. He had surgery on his left thumb to repair the chip fracture but now he isn’t expected back until around Christmas. I believe Mahinmi will continue to be the man at center, with Hill and Turner backing him up.

Once Turner returns to the lineup, then Hill can play more at power forward. Still, I think it’s PG at the 4 and Mahinmi at the 5 when everybody is healthy.

Glenn Robinson III has showed early that he deserves more playing time. [Photo: Frank McGrath/PS&E]

The obvious answer to my favorite free-agent pickup is either Monta Ellis or Jordan Hill. They are two recognizable names.

In turn, my answer is the same for both questions: Glenn Robinson III. I’ve heard nothing but great things about the youngster and how he impressed in the offseason. Larry Bird has been targeting him for over a year, going back to the 2014 draft, so you know he’s got talent. Bird has a great eye for talent others don’t want to take the time to develop.

The Pacers don’t have a championship-level roster. It’s about the future. What GRIII may be able to give the team this season, the next, (and the next) intrigues me.

@amackBU: who is the odd man out?

Of the rotation, I’m sure you’re referring to. That’s Solomon Hill. It’s a big year for him, too, because he’s in the final year of his rookie deal.

Also, Joe Young has only checked in to four of the 13 games. He’s on the outside looking in and essentially playing on a need basis, or if the game is out of hand either way.

@Matt_Adj3: is Paul George healthy enough to play more than 20 minutes for 82 games?

I think PG has pretty much answered that one…

Thanks for all the questions fired my way. Don’t hesitate to send me yours to be included in my next mailbag.