HOOPSAHOLIC

These last six months haven’t been the best for the Indiana Pacers. After having the best record in the NBA at the all-star break, they proceeded to throw up all over themselves, looking like a shell of themselves during the second half of the NBA season. They eventually lasted six games in the Eastern Conference Finals before losing to the Heat, but that was in a lowly Eastern Conference in which they were almost bounced out of the first round against the Hawks. To make matters worse, their best player and perennial NBA all-star Paul George suffered a sickening injury competing in a Team USA scrimmage in August (see video). So instead of ranking them as a playoff team going into the 2014 season, I have them finishing near the bottom of the Eastern Conference. 

Last season, George along with swingman Lance Stephenson took 35% of the Pacers' shots. Now that George is out because of injury, and Stephenson took his talents to Charlotte, the Pacers will have to find a way to produce on the offensive end on a nightly basis. The number one candidate for that role is 34 year old David West. Last year he was probably the most consistent player on the team, averaging 15 points and seven rebounds per game. He’s also known as the leader on this less than stable Pacers ball club. He will be relied on to be the team’s leading scorer and rebounder… a heavy load for a guy who is on the downhill slope of his career. 

If the Pacers are lucky, they will get the old Roy Hibbert back this season. Halfway through the year it seemed as if Hibbert completely forgot how to play the game of basketball. The Georgetown product would have games where he literally wouldn’t score a point and not grab a rebound. Seems hard to do when you’re over 7 feet tall. There were rumors that his bad play resulted from off the court issues, but who will ever know. Last year he averaged nine points and five rebounds, which isn’t half of what he’s expected produce. The Pacers will need him to return to his all-star form if they have any chance of making noise this season. 

George Hill is another player who struggled to get it going last year. This season will be his fourth to be a permanent starter since coming from the Spurs, and in his career he’s never averaged more than five assists. He will need to become a better distributer at the point guard position. Backing him up this year will be CJ Watson. Watson has shown his bright spots in the past, so it’ll be interesting if he can expand on the five points he averaged last year. 

Since George is out for likely the season, the Pacers will need to find someone that will fill the position of small forward. That person will likely be CJ Miles, who’s been with the Cavaliers these last few seasons. Last season he averaged almost ten points per game in only twenty minutes of action a night. With an expanded role, I expect him to produce at a higher rate. The Pacers also acquired Rodney Stuckey in the offseason so if he can become a more consistent scorer he could find himself as a permanent starter. 

Luis Scola and Chris Copeland will both be solid contributors off the bench. Last season was rough for both players, but if they can find a way to perform like they were expected to last season, then the Pacers bench will likely be improved. I just don’t see too much promise with this roster. Frank Vogel just signed a longterm extension, which relieves some pressure off him not having his best player healthy this season. He will have to coach his way out of a tough situation this year, and if he can do it don’t be surprised if he wins coach of the year.