The Indiana Pacers just finished the 2013-2014 season in a disappointing fashion. After high hopes to start the season, and a very strong start to the season, the Pacers seemed well on their way to being able to dethrone the Heat in the playoffs. Led by Paul George, Lance Stephenson, and Roy Hibbert, the Pacers appeared to have the pieces needed to tackle the Heat.
For a majority of the season they proved this belief to be true, however; after trading veteran Danny Granger for Evan Turner, things started to get rough for the Pacers. Hibbert's production declined rapidly and chemistry issues began to become apparent. For whatever reason, whether it was the loss of Granger or the addition of Turner, things took a turn for the south for the Pacers. Nonetheless, the Pacers were able to secure the number one seed in the Eastern Conference Playoffs, a season long goal for the team.
The Pacers limped into the playoffs, and there struggles became all the more obvious as they nearly lost to the eighth seeded Hawks. The Pacers were able to beat the Wizards in six games, but looked to be potentially turning the corner. The Pacers X Factor against the Heat was Roy Hibbert, and he had struggled mightily for most of the playoffs. The Pacers then faced their rivals, the Miami Heat, in the Eastern Conference Finals. They lost in six games, although it didn't even seem like that close of a contest. So what do the Pacers have to do this off-season to ensure another visit to the playoffs and this time advance to the finals?
Decide on Lance Stephenson
Stephenson is coming off his best ear as a pro, one that saw him average 13 points, seven rebounds, and four assists per game. Stephenson is one of the most versatile two guards in the NBA and he is only 23 years old. It seemed as if he would fetch a hefty price this off-season, as he is a restricted free agent, however; his on court antics and questionable locker-room character might drop his value.
The Pacers will have to make a decision on just how much they would be willing to pay Stephenson. Recently, Larry Bird has expressed his frustrations with Stephenson's antics and even Paul George said he was unsure if Stephenson should come back.
This is a franchise with plenty of talent but struggled with chemistry. Are Stephenson's talents enough to justify the potential chemistry issues and salary cap hit resigning him would take? This is an important question the Pacers must ask themselves in the coming months.
What to do with Roy Hibbert
At 27 years old, Roy Hibbert is one of the biggest men in the NBA. Standing at 7'2” and weighing in at 290 pounds, Hibbert should be able to dominate anyone. Unfortunately, size doesn't translate into production as Hibbert has career averages of 11 points six rebounds per game.
This season, he appeared ready to breakout, however; his season took a serious nosedive. There have been reports that Hibbert as well as the Pacers organization, have given thoughts about a trade. A fresh start could be exactly what Hibbert needs to restart his career. This move would also free the Pacers financially and possibly relieve some of the locker-room issues. The major hurdle for this trade to happen would be finding a willing buyer. Hibbert is on a massive contract and his value couldn't be any lower. The Pacers will need to decide if they want to keep Hibbert around or try and get hm out of the toxic situation.
Make Good Decisions
The Pacers are in a critical point of the franchise where they should be constantly in the hunt for a Finals visit. They do however, need to make good decisions in free agency. The Pacers don't have a first round pick this year, meaning they won't have an opportunity to grab a talented young player that could help them compete. This makes it even more important that they make good signings. Depending on the moves they make, their cap room would vary, making it hard to know who some of their targets might be. Nonetheless, it will be vital that the players they sign will add a level of stability to the locker-room.
Continue Improving as a Team
The Pacers are still a very good team. Many will say that they suffer from bad coaching, something that could hold some value. And they are still a relatively young team with a lot of depth. They also have good veteran leadership in David West. I truly believe that is this team hadn't self destructed to end the season, we could be seeing them in the Finals instead of the Heat.
One thing the Pacers will need to improve on is the point guard position. Too many times the ball gets stagnant on offense. With some many players who want the ball in their hands it will be important to find a better distributor. George Hill only averaged 3.7 assists this season and that will have to improve if they are to become a more efficient team. The Pacers also must grow together.
Like I said, they are a young team and still have the potential to make the Finals on a yearly basis. Their most important goal should be solving whatever issue they have in the locker-room, because when this team is playing together, they are capable of great things.