This is a reinvented Indiana Pacers team. They now have a healthy Paul George entering the lineup to start the season, something they didn’t have last season. That alone presents a major improvement.
They now have a consistent backcourt that can compete with some of the other better guards in the league with the addition of Monta Ellis now playing alongside George Hill. One of the key changes this coming season is Paul George switching to the power forward position. It will be interesting to see if George is able to bang with big men down in the paint.
What should fans look forward to this season?
The addition of Monta Ellis will prove wonders for this team. With a career average of 19.3 ppg, Ellis will show that they have two reliable scorers with him and George. Ellis also plays well during the playoffs which is something the Pacers will need if they want to make a scare in the Eastern Conference. If they only had Paul George to work with this season, the team would be in bad shape. No one expects much out of the Pacers this season which could prove as a blessing in disguise for them.
What is their projected starting lineup?
PG- George Hill
SG- Monta Ellis
SF- C.J. Miles
PF- Paul George
C- Ian Mahinmi
Who can emerge as a star?
Paul George will be testing his skills at the power forward position this season. It was a surprising move by the Pacers, and it will be a new look for George, the lone star of this team.
I want to see Paul George take his game to another level this season. Yes, playing the four position will take some getting used to. If George is ever facing a pure mismatch at the power forward position, they can turn to Jordan Hill, who was a decent starter for the Lakers last season.
That being said, if George can stretch the floor while playing power forward, it will add even more diversity to his game. Look for George to do a lot more base line post-ups along with exploiting mismatches on the perimeter.
What will be their final record?
39-43
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