Freddie Jones would like nothing more than to be counted on for 20 minutes a game this season, his second with the Indiana Pacers.

An opportunity will surely present itself when players convene for training camp next month, because the Pacers are long on questions in the backcourt.

If camp began today, Reggie Miller -- who turns 38 Sunday -- and third-year point guard Jamaal Tinsley would be the starters. Their backups would be veteran point guard Anthony Johnson, signed from New Jersey last month, seldom-used third-year point guard Jamison Brewer and Jones.

Other options include second-round draft pick James Jones, a versatile 6-8 wing player who signed a contract Thursday for the rookie minimum of $366,931; undrafted shooting guard Carl English; and starting small forward Ron Artest, who filled in at shooting guard with mixed results last season.

It's clear that quality backcourt depth is a concern.

"I can see where people would say that," Freddie Jones said. "If you really look at it, after Reggie, we're all still trying to prove ourselves in a lot of ways. Jamaal and Anthony have been there; they've paid their dues. The rest of us, we're really trying to establish our identities in this league. And I think we all understand that there is work to be done."