NBA Opening Week: Ranking Eastern Conference Teams by Excitement

Oct 15, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) dribbles against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jared Cunningham (9) in the third quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

9. Indiana Pacers

He’s baaack. I wasn’t sure what to think of Paul George’s return. That was a pretty gruesome injury and I have a bad habit of assuming someone who gets injured is then forever deemed as fragile. But then I saw him rise up for a thunderous slam against the Chicago Bulls in the preseason and I was convinced: He’s baaack.

But you know who’s not back? Roy Hibbert. David West. Remember that Lance Stephenson guy from the squad that rivaled the LeBron James Heat a few years ago? Maybe, just maybe, newcomer Monta Ellis can fill in just a little bit. I’m intrigued by rookie center Myles Turner. He’s got size and he’s got range. And for the few people still rockin’ Roy Hibbert jerseys, Turner has a familiar rumbling tumbling gait as he gallops down the floor. I don’t if I’d classify this new look Pacers unit as exciting just yet.

Next: Sure?