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NBA: The Teams That Improved The Most This Offseason

By Maxwell Ogden

May 16, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers new head coach Nate McMillan and president of basketball operations Larry Bird speak to the press during a press conference at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
May 16, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers new head coach Nate McMillan and president of basketball operations Larry Bird speak to the press during a press conference at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 19, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) brings the ball up the court in the first quarter of their game against the Boston Celtics of game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 19, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) brings the ball up the court in the first quarter of their game against the Boston Celtics of game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Indiana Pacers

When the Indiana Pacers fired head coach Frank Vogel, there weren’t many people standing in Larry Bird’s corner. Vogel had overcome all hurdles to lead Indiana to two Conference Finals appearances, and is still only 43 years of age.

Bird has redeemed himself, however, as he promoted Nate McMillan to head coach and gave him the perfect roster to work with.

With Paul George, who’s already a three-time All-NBA honoree, just now entering his prime, the Pacers will make natural progress. The same could result from the presence of Myles Turner, who stood out as a rim protector and offensive weapon during his rookie season in 2015-16.

Bird made a number of big moves this summer to complement those players with trades and signings in free agency.

Jeff Teague isn’t the defender that George Hill was in Indiana, but he’s far better at creating offense. Thaddeus Young will provide two-way value as a positionally versatile forward who can get out in transition.

With Aaron Brooks helping to shore up the second unit, and Al Jefferson providing a low-post scoring presence, Indiana could make the jump from the No. 8 seed to the No. 2 seed in 2016-17.

Next: Landing A Superstar