The Pacers are hoping that 29-year old Mike Dunleavy will be able to play a lot this season. He only played in 18 games last season for the Pacers and he averaged 27.5 minutes, 15.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. The need a healthy Dunleavy to give them another solid option on the offensive end of the basketball court. 24-year old Brandon Rush will back up Dunleavy this season. He is much more athletic than Dunleavy but his game is not as well rounded as his. Rush played in 75 games as a rookie last season for the Pacers and he averaged 24.0 minutes, 8.1 points, 3.1 rebounds and 0.9 assists per game. He has a nice upside and he should show steady improvement as the year goes on for the Pacers.

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE SMALL FORWARDS IN 2009-2010: C