From “trade throw-in” to possible future starter, Domantas Sabonis first season with the Indiana Pacers was an undeniable success.
The notion that Sabonis was a throw-in was largely due to the fact that the Thunder played him out of position at the power forward in his rookie season. The Pacers had a roster better suited for Sabonis to play his natural position, center, and that allowed Domas to thrive in a new environment.
Instead of being a guy who played from 15 feet and out like in Oklahoma, Sabonis spent most of this past season playing 15 feet and in.