Indiana Pacers: 5 Reasons For Optimism

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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Apr 26, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) looks to play a ball as Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) tries to defend during the first quarter in game five of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Top 5 Defense

Entering the 2015-16 NBA regular season, there was a genuine fear that the Indiana Pacers would lose their defensive edge. Say what you will about Roy Hibbert, but the one thing that he never lost in Indiana was his elite status as a rim protector.

Despite gutting the roster of the big men who made it so imposing, Indiana maintained its Top 5 status as a defensive team.

Indiana finished the 2015-16 regular season at No. 8 in scoring defense and No. 6 in opponent field goal percentage. That may fall outside of the Top 5, but both Top 10 rankings are more about what’s on the surface than what the Pacers truly were.

The proof: Indiana ranked No. 3 in the NBA in both points allowed per 100 possessions and opponent 3-point field goal percentage.

In other words, Frank Vogel overcame the loss of his rim protector by building one of the best defensive perimeters in the NBA. Indiana needs to do a better job of preventing penetration and protecting the rim, but Paul George having a full offseason to train should help.

The player on the following slide is already making his presence known.

Next: The Future

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