From the moment T.J. Leaf was drafted by the Indiana Pacers, he wasn’t a fan favorite. All the Tyler Hansbrough 2.0 jokes and “LOL PACERS DRAFTED A WHITE GUY” jokes were flying.
A forgettable first season — 2.9 points and 1.5 rebounds in 8.7 minutes a game — did nothing to win over fans, even if he was shooting 42.9 percent from deep in his limited opportunities. His 12.5 points and 5.5 rebounds in the Las Vegas Summer League didn’t change anyone’s mind, either.
But so far in the preseason, he looks like a new player.