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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Apr 18, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Indiana Pacers point guard Monta Ellis (11) is congratulated by forward Solomon Hill (44) after drawing a foul and making the basket against the Toronto Raptors in game two of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

What’s Missing?

Many of the Indiana Pacers’ flaws can be corrected from within. For instance, the Pacers need stability down low and consistency at shooting guard, and that’s where Monta Ellis, Al Jefferson, and Myles Turner come into play.

If Ellis can play like the borderline star that he was with the Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors, Jefferson can stay healthy, and Turner continues to develop, then Indiana could contend.

Between 2007-08 and 2014-15, Ellis averaged 20.8 points and 5.1 assists on 45.3 percent shooting from the field. During his first year in Indiana, however, he put up just 13.8 points per game on 42.7 percent shooting from the field.

If Ellis can get back to the point of producing in an efficient manner, the Pacers’ offense would border on unstoppable.

Down low, Turner will be tasked with protecting the rim and anchoring the defense. Jefferson will be tasked with more of an offensive workload, with efficient and timely low-post offense being the expectation in 2016-17.

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If the perfect storm comes together in 2016-17, the Pacers could give the Cleveland Cavaliers trouble in the Eastern Conference.

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