Indiana Pacers: 5 reasons they won't make the playoffs in 2017-18

Indiana Pacers: 5 reasons they won’t make the playoffs in 2017-18

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JULY 28: TJ Leaf #22, Lance Stephenson #1, Ike Anigbogu #15, Glenn Robinson III #40 and Myles Turner #33 of theIndiana Pacers participate in an outdoor fanfest on July 28, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and condition of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3 of 6

Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images /

4. The team has become a younger and less experienced group

When Paul George was still on the roster, the plan was to build around him — primarily targeting veteran talent. After his departure, the new strategy has focused much more on young players that the team can develop.

Gone are long-time veterans such as Monta Ellis, C.J. Miles, Rodney Stuckey, Aaron Brooks, Jeff Teague and Paul George. A significant part of last season’s rotation will be replaced by younger and less experienced performers.

Victor Oladipo, Cory Joseph, Domantas Sabonis and T.J. Leaf all fit into the latter category, as does Bojan Bogdanovic, who at 28 years old has only been in the NBA for three seasons.

Even among the returnees, younger players like Myles Turner, Lance Stephenson and Glenn Robinson III will be expected to take on bigger roles than they previously held when the roster was more veteran-laden.

The Pacers barely made the playoffs in 2016-17 when they had more experience than this current group, as well as more overall talent.

Kevin Pritchard’s master plan is to acquire young players who have untapped potential and grow with them. That approach should pay dividends eventually, but it won’t land Indiana in the playoffs this season.

Home/Indiana Pacers