NBA: Re-Ranking The Eastern Conference After Free Agency

Apr 14, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) runs up the court as the crowd cheer after George made a clutch basket with under a minute to go in the first overtime against the Washington Wizards at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats Washington 99-95 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Indiana Pacers

2014-15 Record: 38-44

2015-16 Projected Wins: 40-50

I’m a bit less optimistic on the Indiana Pacers because I don’t think anyone knows what Paul George is going to look like coming off injury. We saw a bit of George last season, but if that’s the George we’re getting for 82 games, the Pacers are going to take a step back.

The additions of Myles Turner and Monta Ellis will definitely help, but losing David West and having a less than Paul George-ian leader will ultimately hurt the Pacers more than any of the former can compensate for.

If Indiana is healthy, and we see a close to 100 percent Paul George, this team could very well be a top-4 team in the East. Right now though, I just don’t see it.

Next: No. 6 Washington Wizards