Hoops Habit
Fansided

Indiana Pacers Close To Being True Contenders

By Maxwell Ogden

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
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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
Apr 2, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Myles Turner (33) prior to action against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. The Indiana Pacers won 115-102. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Myles Turner (33) prior to action against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. The Indiana Pacers won 115-102. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Potential

Lost in the push to become a more explosive offensive team is the fact that the Indiana Pacers have the personnel to excel defensively. Though Nate McMillan is known by many for his offensive tactics, he’s one of the better defensive guards in NBA history.

If the 1994 steals leader can motivate his players defensively—and he’s previously succeeded in doing so as the coach for teams with worse personnel—Indiana can be a force.

The Pacers have an intriguing defensive front court with Paul George, Thaddeus Young, and Myles Turner. Turner led the NBA in blocks during the 2016 NBA Playoffs, Young is positionally versatile, and George has three All-Defensive Team selections already.

Though Jeff Teague isn’t as highly regarded on defense as George Hill, he quietly held opponents to 39.9 percent shooting from the field in 2015-16.

The personnel is still shifting and changing to some extent, but McMillan has a solid group to work with defensively. Turner has elite potential as an interior anchor, and George is one of the Top 5 defensive players in the NBA.

The Pacers have the foundation to become one of the best two-way teams in the NBA in 2016-17.

Next: The Superstar Presence

Home/Indiana Pacers