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Indiana Pacers: 2017-18 NBA season preview

By Adrian Lawhorn

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 08: Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers is seen during the game against the Detroit Pistons at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 8, 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 conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 08: Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers is seen during the game against the Detroit Pistons at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 8, 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 conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images /

Storyline 2: A new direction for the franchise

For the past several years, Indiana had a pretty straight-forward plan: put as much talent as possible around their only star player. Of course, that blueprint has been scrapped now that All-Star Paul George wears a Thunder uniform.

One thing that should be made abundantly clear is that team owner Herb Simon is not and has never been in favor of intentionally gutting the team in order to stockpile top draft picks.

When Paul George essentially forced the Pacers to trade him, Simon and general manager Kevin Pritchard sat down and hammered out their new team-building strategy.

It was decided that the team would remain as competitive as possible, but that it also needs to focus on growing a young core of players during this process.

The roster has been restocked with players who fit that mold, and one key veteran — point guard Darren Collison — has been added to help Indiana compete in the present, while also aiding in the team’s long-term transition.

The Pacers are seeking a balance between winning now and building toward the future. A sub-.500 record is very likely this year, but the team will have its moments and should provide some encouraging signs of growth as the season unfolds.

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