Chris Duarte, the Pacers’ new X factor?

A year ago, Chris Duarte was one of the revelations of the start of the season, notably with 27 points for his very first NBA game and an average of 18 points in his first 10 outings with the big boys.

He had even drawn the compliments of Kevin Durant during the first clash of the season between Pacers and Nets. A year later, water has flowed under the bridge, but Chris Duarte remains in the learning phase.

“I don’t know why people keep thinking of me as an old man. I’m only 25, you know? I understand: I have three children, I have a wife, but I am only 25 years old. I’m just starting to live my life now”he recalled before the reception of the Wizards this evening.

If we may take him for older than he is, it is also because he is already playing like a veteran, with accuracy.

“He knows how to play, find his spots, when it is necessary to be altruistic”said Myles Turner. “He knows when to take his shots and how to dissect the defence. It’s usually something that gets better with experience, and he does a great job at it.”.

A progression in line with his rookie season

Who says second year necessarily says less element of surprise. Chris Duarte therefore also had to learn to broaden his palette and better approach his relationship with Tyrese Haliburton, for example. The leader has in any case noted an evolution since the end of last season.

“He spent a lot of time on how to play and improving his game intelligence. There are readings where he now sees both players on him, whereas last year as a rookie he would have could only have one”said Tyrese Haliburton. “There, when he sees two, he makes the extra pass. He’s doing a good job in creating with that extra pass and just knowing how to play.”

So many qualities that should make him an important part of Rick Carlisle’s device behind the Haliburton-Hield-Turner trio. In short, the perfect X factor, the one capable of changing a meeting.

“I just feel like he can play a very important role for us on both sides of the pitch. I think he can score. He shoots very well. He can drive. He has improved in his passes. And defensively, I think he’s looking forward to the challenge of holding off some of the best forwards this year.”provides the coach of the Pacers.