Welcome to stardom, Paul. Photo Credit: IsoSports, Flickr.com
Indiana Pacers
2011-12 Vitals:
42-24, 2nd in Central Division, 3rd in Eastern Conference
97.7 PPG/94.4 OPP PPG
2012-13 Roster:
Blake Ahearn – PG
D.J. Augustin – PG
Sundiata Gaines – G
Paul George – SG
Danny Granger – SF
Gerald Green – SG
Tyler Hansbrough – PF
Roy Hibbert – C
George Hill – SG
Orlando Johnson – SG
Ian Mahinmi – C
Jeff Pendergraph – F
Miles Plumlee – PF
Lance Stephenson – SG
David West – PF
Sam Young – SF
Offseason Additions:
D.J. Augustin, Gerald Green, Ian Mahinmi, Miles Plumlee, Orlando Johnson
Offseason Subtractions:
Darren Collison, Dahntay Jones
Projected Starters:
PG – George Hill
SG – Paul George
SF – Danny Granger
PF – David West
C – Roy Hibbert
Season Outlook:
The Indiana Pacers had a better 2011-12 than anyone could have imagined and had the Miami Heat on the ropes in the Eastern Conference semifinals. A return to that position is well within reach.
Losing Darren Collison won’t be a huge deal as D.J. Augustin is a quality backup who can fill in nicely. Ian Mahinmi means the Pacers don’t have to suffer a huge drop in defensive quality when Roy Hibbert goes to the bench.
The lingering issue of late-game situations is what keeps the Pacers from being a championship team. Playing within the system often works during the regular season but when the playoffs start, each team needs a go-to player.
Best-Case Scenario:
The Pacers duplicate their feat from a year ago and finish in the top-10 in offense and defense. Paul George emerges as a legitimate No. 2 option and gives the Pacers a go-to player late in games. They earn the No. 2 seed in the East but ultimately fall to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference finals.
Worst-Case Scenario:
After being unusually healthy in 2011-12, the injury bug bites. The Pacers lose Granger or Hibbert for an extended period of time and fall to a .500 team. They still make the playoffs, but as the No. 8 seed and bow out in the first round.
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