Indiana Pacers Close To Being True Contenders

Apr 23, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) and forward Paul George (13) wait to be introduced before the game against the Toronto Raptors in game four of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 26, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) dribbles the ball against Detroit Pistons guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) during the third quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Hawks win 112-95. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

Offensive Potential

If there’s one thing to know about a Nate McMillan-led team, it’s that the offense will be explosive. During his five years as head coach of the Seattle SuperSonics, and his seven with the Portland Trail Blazers, offensive execution was rarely an issue.

During McMillan’s final three full seasons in Portland, the Trail Blazers ranked No. 2, No. 7, and No. 11 in offensive efficiency.

The Indiana Pacers have a consistent source of 20-to-25 points per game in starting small forward Paul George. Indiana also has a bruising low-post scorer in Al Jefferson and two capable players at the 4 in Myles Turner and Thaddeus Young.

Coupled with the explosiveness of All-Star point guard Jeff Teague, Indiana should excel at getting out in transition and scoring in the half court.

Beyond that group of five is a crop of supporting players who can create offense. C.J. Miles has made 296 3-point field goals over the past two seasons, Rodney Stuckey is a respected scorer, and Monta Ellis was a borderline All-Star before coming to Indiana.

If McMillan can maximize the ability of the first eight players in the rotation, he can turn Indiana into an offensive powerhouse.

Next: Defensive Potential

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