2014-2015 Review
The Indiana Pacers were one game away from a playoff appearance last season, despite the glaring absence of superstar Paul George for most the year. Ranking 24th in PPG, the Pacers suffered from the absence of key cogs from their back to back Eastern Conference Finals teams.
New Additions
Monta Ellis
One of the most durable and reliable playmakers in the NBA, Ellis joins a Pacers team in need of scoring. With PG13 back in action, Ellis should thrive off the ball in catch and shoot sets. His defense is forgettable, but it is forgivable thanks to his scoring prowess.
Myles Turner
The Pacers drafted Turner with the 11th pick in this year’s draft. The Pacers will look to Turner sooner rather than later thanks to their shallow front court. Average back up turned starter Ian Mahinmi should lose minutes to the promising rookie as the season goes along.
Chase Budinger
What do you think he's there to do.. (shoots paper in to trashcan from distance.)
Key Losses:
David West
The heart and soul of the Pacers didn't like the outlook for the future and bolted for the veterans minimum with perineal title favorites, the San Antonio Spurs. Who can blame him? Without their long-time leader, the Pacers will look to redefine themselves in a new era.
Roy Hibbert
Although Hibbert sputtered throughout the regular season, his presence in the consecutive Eastern Conference Finals appearances were essential. His presence as a defensive anchor aided the Pacers in their epic battles against the Miami Heat. Now, Hibbert will serve as a punching bag for Kobe Bryant on a hopeless Lakers team in the dominant Western Conference.
Lance Stephenson
“Born Ready” was the X-factor that the Pacers needed throughout their great playoff runs in the past. The Pacers have done well to replace the loss with good ball handlers who can score like Rodney Stuckey, and Ellis. Although Stephenson failed to make an impact on the Hornets, his loss still lingers in Indianapolis.
Biggest Strength
Dynamic Duo
PG13 and Ellis should both average between 17-20 PPG for the upcoming season, providing for two go-to scorers every night. Rodney Stuckey and C.J. Miles are both helpful offensive options when healthy and should help burden the scoring load.
Biggest Weakness
Front Court Depth
With the loss of two pillars of the organization, Ian Mahinmi and Jordan Hill become the starting bigs for the Pacers. Does that excite anyone? Didn’t think so.
Bottom Line
The return of PG13 is the big story for the Pacers, but after the honeymoon period subsides, the Pacers will be hit with a harsh reality. The Eastern Conference isn't as weak as it was the past few years. The Pacers have a shot to grab the 7th or 8th playoff spot, but it certainly isn’t guaranteed. Larry Bird will have to shoulder the blame should the Pacers fail to make the playoffs for two consecutive seasons. Coach Frank Vogel deserves a lot of credit for last season's final push to the playoffs, and if the Pacers make it this year, he will be deserving of much praise.
Fantasy Slant
Most Overrated
George Hill
Every year, George Hill is drafted by an optimistic fantasy player and I shake my head. Hill can’t stream along consecutive weeks of notable statistics, yet his potential as a gifted player overrides the fact that he doesn’t produce at a high-level for a point guard in today’s NBA.
Most Underrated
Paul George
Sure, PG13 will be drafted in the top 10 of many fantasy drafts, but he could very well end up as the best at top three fantasy asset when the season is over. Since his rookie year, PG13’s role in the Pacer’s offense has grown exponentially. With only Monta Ellis to share shots with in the starting lineup, PG13 could set career highs in multiple scoring categories. Don’t be surprised if PG13 is in the fantasy MVP race come playoffs.
Biggest Surprise
Jordan Hill
Hill put up respectable numbers in limited minutes with the Lakers last season. Without contention for serious minutes at power forward, Hill could average a double-double throughout the first few months of the season.