Pacers Preseason Preview

            For the first time in a decade, the Pacers are relevant to the NBA. Here in Indiana, there is actually excitement and anticipation for the upcoming season. There are also high expectations for a team that is still young and building towards becoming championship-caliber. All five of the starters back along with the key bench players. Maybe just as important is the return of all the coaches from last season including head coach Frank Vogel and assistant Brian Shaw.

Last season the Pacers finished with a record good enough to finish second in the Central Division and third in the Eastern Conference. They got to the second-round of the playoffs before being defeated by the Miami Heat. One of the biggest problems our team had was a lack of playmakers and talent on the bench. Our backup squad in 2011 consisted of Darren Collison, Leandro Barbosa, Lance Stephenson, Dahntay Jones, Tyler Hansbrough, and Lou Admundson. They are all quality bench players but none of them are able to take control of a game and dictate the outcome.

That is why the Indiana Pacers’ front office completely overhauled the bench through trades, free agency, and the Draft. Gone from the team are Collison, Barbosa, Jones, and Admunson. Replacing the roster are D.J. Augustin, Orlando Johnson, Gerald Green, Ian Mahinmi, and Miles Plumlee. Also new to the team are Sundiata Gaines, Ben Hansbrough, Sam Young, Luke Nevill and Blake Ahearn.

This is how the depth chart currently sits according to ESPN.com. Starters are in bold.

Point Guard: George Hill, D.J. Augustin, Sundiata Gaines, Blake Ahearn

Shooting Guard: Paul George, Lance Stephenson, Orlando Johnson, Ben Hansbrough

Small Forward: Danny Granger, Gerald Green, Sam Young

Power Forward: David West, Tyler Hansbrough, Jeff Pendergraph

Center: Roy Hibbert, Ian Mahinmi, Miles Plumlee, Luke Nevill

Right now there 18 players on the roster, but that has to be cut to 15 by the regular season. I would expect Ben Hansbrough, Luke Nevill, and Gaines/Ahearn to get the axe. I also doubt there will be any changes during training camp or in the preseason with the starting rotation. However, Orlando Johnson may be able to wrestle some playing time away from Lance Stephenson. Johnson is just a rookie but Stephenson has never grown into the player that the Pacers thought he would be. This is definitely a make or break year for Lance.

Preseason schedule:

10/7- at Minnesota Timberwolves

10/12- vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

10/16- vs. Atlanta Hawks

10/19- at Orlando Magic

10/20- vs. Memphis Grizzlies

10/23- at Cleveland Cavaliers

10/26- at Chicago Bulls

I have NEVER watched an NBA preseason game so I’m excited to watch some this year. I’m also hoping to go to at least one of the games at Bankers Life.

Regular season starts October 31^st at Toronto. I will have a season preview closer to that date.