Storyline: The resurgence Paul George and the addition of Monta Ellis make it possible for the Pacers to compete with the NBA elite. Indiana is a player or two away from contending for a title. Written by Chris Ellerman, Anderson, IN
What a year makes in the world of NBA basketball! The Indiana Pacers have gone from laughing stock to one of the best teams in the League–a team that, by year’s end, will be positioned to run with anyone.
Paul George (ESPN)
The resurgence of Paul George and the addition of Monta Ellis have made the difference. And trading Roy Hibbert allowed the team to join the rest of the NBA’s fast-pace trend. The new fast-pace style is clicking with fans, too. The Pacers are entertaining to watch–different from before, when Indiana played in slow motion.
Monta Ellis (Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports)
By the end of the ’15-16 season the Pacers might be competing with the Cavs for the Eastern Conference title. The Pacers appear to be a free agent away from making a leap into the NBA Finals. The missing ingredient is having a sharpshooter who comes off screens. That ability would spread out the floor for George. C.J. Miles, a good shooter, is streaky. The Pacers need a player who’s terrific off-the-ball. More creative capacity would mean fewer double-teams on Paul George. With that in mind the Pacers should think about going after J.J. Redick-like or Kyle Korver-style players.
The Pacers will be a force as long as Paul George is on the team. But it’s Larry Bird’s job to piece things together–to make Indiana an elite team–this year and for years to come.
