NBA: Which East Teams Present The Biggest Challenge To The Cavs?

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Apr 23, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) and forward Paul George (13) wait to be introduced before the game against the Toronto Raptors in game four of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Indiana Pacers

The Indiana Pacers are another some sort of enigma. President Larry Bird has said that he wants to see the team have a faster pace, despite ranking in the top ten last season. To do so, a few different moves were made.

They were apart of the three-team trade with the Hawks and Utah Jazz and traded their long-time point guard George Hill to the Jazz, receiving Jeff Teague from the Hawks. Teague is a faster, less methodical guard than Hill. The Pacers front office and coaching staff hope Teague can shoot the three pointer as well as he did last year, a career high 40 percent.

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Teague will be paired with returning starters, Monta Ellis and Paul George. Ellis had a disappointing year so he is hoping to get his old form back and be a competent three-point threat. George is still one of the best players in the league and improving as he continues to make his statement despite a nasty leg injury a couple years ago.

The x-factor of this team is second year big man, Myles Turner. Turner showed glimpses of brilliance last season coming off the bench. This year with more minutes, he will have to stay healthy and prove to be a versatile threat on both ends of the floor. Teague and Ellis’ perimeter defense is lackluster so Turner will need to be a force as a rim protector.

The front-court has two new members in the rotation in Al Jefferson (signed in free agency) and Thaddeus Young (acquired from BRK). Young should see time as the starting power forward for a small ball look, relieving C.J. Miles from those duties. Jefferson will be a scoring threat off the bench. He may be the best player in the second unit so he will be leaned upon throughout every game.

Other members of the second unit include Aaron Brooks, Joe Young, Rodney Stuckey, and Lavoy Allen. Much to be desired for sure.

Can this team compete with the Cavaliers? I believe they could if they play their style. Paul George has the capability of guarding LeBron James, but the threats of Kyrie, Smith, and Kevin Love could be what kills the Pacers defensively.

In a seven game series, there could be little defense in each game. The Cavaliers do have more shot makers so the Pacers would need to prove that they could keep up with the defending champions.

Indiana has a chance to be a top four seed in the Eastern Conference so could see the Cavaliers as early as the second round if all goes perfect.

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