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Indiana Pacers: 5 Reasons For Optimism

By Maxwell Ogden

Apr 29, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) celebrates with center Myles Turner (33) and guard Ty Lawson (10) against the Toronto Raptors during the second half in game six of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Pacers won 101-83. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 29, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) celebrates with center Myles Turner (33) and guard Ty Lawson (10) against the Toronto Raptors during the second half in game six of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Pacers won 101-83. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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The 2015-16 NBA season has concluded for the Indiana Pacers. Sad as that may be, there are a number of reasons for optimism in Indiana.

Apr 29, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) celebrates with center Myles Turner (33) and guard Ty Lawson (10) against the Toronto Raptors during the second half in game six of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Pacers won 101-83. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 29, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) celebrates with center Myles Turner (33) and guard Ty Lawson (10) against the Toronto Raptors during the second half in game six of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Pacers won 101-83. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

One of the most competitive first-round series of the 2016 NBA Playoffs came to a close on Sunday, May 1, when the Toronto Raptors overcame the Indiana Pacers in a high-stakes Game 7. With its win, Toronto advanced to the second round for the first time since 2001.

Unfortunately for Indiana, its postseason run ended there.

2015-16 was a somewhat triumphant season for a Pacers team that underwent significant changes during the preceding offseason. Defensive anchor Roy Hibbert was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, backup point guard C.J. Watson signed with the Orlando Magic, and veteran leader—and clutch maestro—David West joined the San Antonio Spurs.

Coupled with the uncertainty surrounding Paul George’s recovery from a compound fracture in his right leg, Indiana exceeded expectations by going 45-37 and taking the No. 2 seed to seven games.

With the season coming to a close, however, the Pacers face an offseason of relative uncertainty. The roster structure did well, but fans are hungry for more, and the franchise player will likely be asking the front office to help him contend.

Before facing the uncertainty, Pacers fans must embrace the five reasons for optimism from the 2015-16 NBA season.

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