Apr 5, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) leads a fast break against the Miami Heat at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats Miami 112-89. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Indiana Pacers
Last Year’s Outcome: 38-44, Lottery
Best-Case Scenario: Reach Second Round Of Playoffs
Why: Assuming that the Indiana Pacers are going to have a healthy Paul George this season, the Indiana Pacers, with the changes that they’ve made this summer, should be in prime position to potentially make a playoff run this season. If George returns to his All-NBA self, and if Myles Turner can accelerate his progression, the Pacers should have the horses to be quite the surprising team this season. Perhaps even make it to the second round of the playoffs.
Worst-Case Scenario: Miss Playoffs; Paul George Isn’t The Paul George Of Old
Why: For the Pacers, the season could be an epic failure if one of two things goes wrong. First, if they miss the playoffs. Two years removed from back-t0-back Eastern Conference Finals appearances, and being one win away from the NBA Finals in 2013, the Pacers can’t afford to blow things up again. And, second, they need Paul George to return to his former MVP-like self. If he can’t, that’s going to spell major problems for this Pacers team.
None of them would be good news for the future of this franchise – nor the present. This team was re-built around George’s versatility. If he can’t fully recover after practically a year away from the game, Indiana is going to be in huge trouble this season.
What Will Probably Happen: First Round Playoff Exit
Why: I like Paul George and many other players on this team. I’m just not loving their ability to finish with a top-4 seed in the East. The Pacers are probably one year, and a few frontcourt players, away from making big moves in the Eastern Conference. This season will lay the groundwork though. If nothing else, they need a healthy Paul George. That’s all that should matter this year.
Next: Los Angeles Clippers