Collison becomes a Pacer, Ariza to the Hornets in a 4-team trade

Collison the point guard of future -- and present
NBA.COM, Indiana Pacers
Aug. 11, 2010

Just like that, the point guard position has been transformed from a question mark to an exclamation point.

The acquisition of Darren Collison from New Orleans today in a four-team trade that sent Troy Murphy home to New Jersey gives the Pacers everything they had sought in a point guard – a young player with a bright future who had the ability to take over right away.

"We said we were going to be patient in getting a point guard we feel like we got the right one," said team President Larry Bird. "We hate to lose Troy. He was a great player for us, a great guy, a great teammate and I loved having him around but to be able to get something good you have to give up something."

Collison, 22, was named to the 2009-10 T-Mobile NBA All-Rookie First team after averaging 12.4 points and 4.7 assists, shooting .477 overall and .400 from the 3-point line. He established his credentials as a starter while Chris Paul was out with an injury, averaging 18.8 points, 9.1 assists and 3.5 rebounds in 37 starts. He not only increased is productivity but his efficiency, improving his shooting percentages to .490 overall and .429 from the 3-point line.

“We’re excited to add Darren to the strong core of young players already on our roster,” said Bird. “He’s a dynamic young point guard and we believe that he will be a key piece of our goal of building a team that the fans in Indiana deserve.”

The Pacers also acquired veteran forward James Posey in the deal. In addition to Collison and Murphy being dealt, Houston acquired guard Courtney Lee from New Jersey, and the Hornets obtained forward Trevor Ariza from the Rockets.

With Collison in the mix, the solution at power forward remains to be seen. Danny Granger undoubtedly will spend some time at the position with rookie Paul George at small forward. Other candidates for increased playing time include Josh McRoberts, Tyler Hansbrough and rookie Magnum Rolle.

Murphy averaged 14.6 points and 10.2 rebounds last season, shooting .384 from the 3-point line. It was the second season in a row and fifth of his career in which he averaged a double-double.

“We are very pleased to add Troy to our roster,” said Nets General Manager Billy King. “He is a quality power forward who has the ability to stretch the floor, and we feel that he will be a very positive addition to our frontcourt rotation.”

Posey, 33, averaged 5.2 points and 4.3 rebounds with the Hornets last season.