22. Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers are one of the teams that I really like heading into the start of the season. I don’t anticipate they’re going to find themselves in the end-of-the-season standings as one of the 10 worst teams in the NBA. I’m not sure how high they’ll be able to climb but there’s a very real chance that the Pacers end up making the Play-In Tournament in the Eastern Conference this season.
Tyrese Haliburton is a superstar; it’s only a matter of time until he’s able to continually do it on a consistent basis. But that time is coming soon. Bennedict Mathurin also has the chance to be a special player next to Haliburton. Once Buddy Hield is traded, it will open up more minutes and a bigger role for Mathurin. The addition of Bruce Brown is something that I didn’t love but it is intriguing from a basketball perspective.
Jarace Walker may need some time to fully hit his ceiling but he’s another enticing player that the Pacers have to look forward to developing over the next few years. The Pacers, if nothing else, could end up being a huge headache in the East this season.