Indiana Pacers 2014-15 Preview

[Shamrock32]

I have recently rejoined the CelticsBlog family and I'll be doing their previews for all 30 NBA teams in their annual SBNation team preview project. Each article includes a breakdown of last season, a recap of the team’s summer, a full depth chart, keys to this season and predicted standings.

This morning I touched on the Indiana Pacers. Here's a snippet:

X-FACTOR - Roy Hibbert
Roy Hibbert's catastrophic downfall in the second half of last season is something that everybody wants to forget about. It was difficult to watch, especially considering how much of an impact it had on the entire team, but that doesn't mean that he can't bounce back. He's got it in him, we have witnessed it before.

When Hibbert is locked in and on top of his game, he is a game changer and one of the best defensive bigs in the NBA. If the Pacers want to make the playoffs this season and avoid lotto land, Hibbert has to play his best basketball to date. Indiana is counting on the big fella to deliver as much as ever, and this is a giant opportunity for him to restore his reputation. If he comes into this season the way he closed out last year, it's going to be tough for the Pacers to compete at a respectable level.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2014-15
You can't lose guys like Paul George Lance Stephenson and expect to play anywhere near the same level. Not only were they Indiana's top two creators with the ball in their hands, they were also two of their better defensive forces. The loss of their two-way impact is going to be very difficult to overcome.

Indiana will have a chance to make the playoffs if everything goes right, but don't be surprised if the Pacers attend their first NBA Draft Lottery since 2010. If the Pacers can't come together to overcome this stage similar to how the Bulls stayed strong through Derrick Rose's injuries, Frank Vogel may be on the hot seat. Plain and simple, this will not be the same team in 2014-15. Hope for the best, Pacers fans, but manage your expectations.

PREDICTED STANDINGS
4th - Central Division
11th - Eastern Conference

FULL ARTICLE --- INDIANA PACERS 2014-15 PREVIEW - CELTICSBLOG.COM

What do you guys think of the Pacers this year? Do you think they'll make the playoffs?

 

[AC GRUNDY]

3rd place team at best

 

[Shamrock32]

3rd place team at best

You talking 3rd place in the division or conference? I would be shocked if they finished 3rd in the east.

 

[jaguar paw]

You probably were better off consolidating all your reviews in one thread.

 

[Shamrock32]

You probably were better off consolidating all your reviews in one thread.

Yeah I thought about doing that, too, but I felt like if I did it that way each article would be far less likely to get any clicks. With individual threads, I also feel like there's a better chance of generating discussion about each team.

If this is becoming annoying to people, though, then maybe I should.

 

[Malcolmxxx_23]

Yeah I thought about doing that, too, but I felt like if I did it that way each article would be far less likely to get any clicks. With individual threads, I also feel like there's a better chance of generating discussion about each team.

If this is becoming annoying to people, though, then maybe I should.

Ya its becoming real annoying

 

[Juggalo Fred]

You talking 3rd place in the division or conference? I would be shocked if they finished 3rd in the east.

division

 

[jaguar paw]

Yeah I thought about doing that, too, but I felt like if I did it that way each article would be far less likely to get any clicks. With individual threads, I also feel like there's a better chance of generating discussion about each team.

If this is becoming annoying to people, though, then maybe I should.

Just make one main thread and update the original post as you make a new preview.

You're not going to generate discussion here until people actually know you are a credible writer.

 

[GetSomeMoney]

Close thread, nothing to see here

 

[Gil Scott-Heroin]

Went from top 10 to not mentioned at all

 

[Ritzy Sharon]

@Dustin Chapman
I'm a Nuggets fan and I had no idea you previewed the Nuggets until I searched for it right now. if there was a single thread, I would have known earlier.

& the link to the full article was busted, but I tracked it down and will read it/give my 2 cents later.

 

[Brozay]

@Dustin Chapman you been killing these previews, props

 

[Shamrock32]

Just make one main thread and update the original post as you make a new preview.

You're not going to generate discussion here until people actually know you are a credible writer.

@Dustin Chapman
I'm a Nuggets fan and I had no idea you previewed the Nuggets until I searched for it right now. if there was a single thread, I would have known earlier.

& the link to the full article was busted, but I tracked it down and will read it/give my 2 cents later.

Alright, cool. When I post tomorrow I'll just make a new thread and throw all of the links in there.

@Dustin Chapman you been killing these previews, props

Thanks my man, I appreciate it