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Have Indiana Pacers Turned Corner?

By Simon Smith

Oct 26, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) dunks against the Dallas Mavericks at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats Dallas 130-121 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) dunks against the Dallas Mavericks at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats Dallas 130-121 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

It has taken some time, but the Indiana Pacers appear to be finally finding their stride. But the question is, can they maintain this current form?

It was an offseason of change this past summer for the Indiana Pacers. Replacing head coach Frank Vogel with his lead assistant in Nate McMillan was the first sign that team president Larry Bird was looking for a change of direction.

Among a number of topics covered when McMillan was introduced as the Pacers’ coach was the playing style that will be implemented as a result of the coaching change.

At his initial press conference, McMillan said:

"“It’s fun, it’s exciting. That’s the way I played. I want to get up and down. I want to go and I want to defend and, excuse me, but I want to get all up on yo’ (tail), and we want to play. I want to do that.”"

The common theme emerging with McMillan’s hiring was the Pacers would look to follow the league-wide trend of up-tempo play. This line of thinking led to their next major move of the summer, acquiring forward Thaddeus Young in a draft-day deal with the Brooklyn Nets.

Related Story: 25 Best Players to Play for the Indiana Pacers

Young is seen as being a modern-day power forward, with the ability to be able to play at a fast pace and stretch the floor. Bird was quite happy with the acquisition of Young:

"“Thaddeus is a long, athletic power forward who can defend multiple positions. He was a 15-point scorer last year and averaged nine rebounds a game. We think he’s a good fit between Myles (Turner) and Paul (George).”"

Floor General

With a new style of play also came a new floor general. Just a few weeks later, the Pacers acquired point guard Jeff Teague via trade. Sure, the Pacers had to give up their starting point guard in George Hill in the deal.

But in keeping with a more attacking approach, the Pacers rolled the diced. Bird noted at the time of the trade:

"“We think he fits in with what we’re trying to do. He has speed, the ability to create for others and he can score. We look forward to working with him.”"

The Pacers also added  a veteran low-post presence to their roster in Al Jefferson. So with a fresh new roster coupled with a new coach, the Pacers were hoping to improve on their first-round playoff exit of last season.