Indiana Pacers - Dinge, die keinen eigenen Thread verdienen

[Sm0kE]

Jo, 38% ausm Feld sind für einen Center nun wirklich nicht berauschend. Wobei man allerdings sagen muss, dass die Pacers als Kollektiv auch einfach ********** aussehen, verglichen mit letztem Jahr..

 

[freiplatzzokker]

Hier geht ja auch gar nichts. Sind die Pacers Fans alle ausgeflogen? Naja, bei einem Blizzard würde ich eher zu Hause bleiben. Das Spiel gegen die Bulls fällt nämlich auch erst mal flach. Schade eigentlich, ist immer eine interessante Partie.

 

[davidly]

Beat the Heat

Irgendjemand sollte sich freuen, dass wir endlich noch mal ins Halbfinale geschafft haben, oder?

 

[Pac]

So nach langer Zeit, in der ich hier stiller Mitleser im Basketball-Forum war, hab ich mich nun entschlossen mich hier anzumelden und vorallem den Pacers Thread zu beleben, hier geht ja gar nichts

Heute steht also Spiel 4 an, und ich gehe von einem Sieg der Heat aus. Beim letzten Aufeinandertreffen waren die Heat einfach so überlegen und uns immer einen Schritt voraus, da vorallem Georges Post Defense gegen James ziemlich schwach war, vllt wird er ja heute im Post mal gedoppelt, was aber wieder freie Würfe für Miller, Battier heisst...
Alles in allem haben die Big Man der Heat das Spiel "entschieden", hat Haslem eigentlich irgendwas daneben geworfen? Aber auch die Pacers' D war erschreckend schlecht, noch nicht mal viele Rebounds bekamen wir..
Nur wenn wir unsere Rebounds bekommen, sowie unsere geniale Defense durchziehen, George ordentlich trifft und wir James Postmoves stoppen, wird's was heute, aber ich glaub irgendwie nicht dran.

 

[Sougaiki]

2 Posts in 5 Monaten ist doch was ...hui 3 nun. Willkommen und viel Glück den Thread hier zu beleben.

 

[davidly]

So nach langer Zeit, in der ich hier stiller Mitleser im Basketball-Forum war, hab ich mich nun entschlossen mich hier anzumelden und vorallem den Pacers Thread zu beleben, hier geht ja gar nichts

Heute steht also Spiel 4 an, und ich gehe von einem Sieg der Heat aus. Beim letzten Aufeinandertreffen waren die Heat einfach so überlegen und uns immer einen Schritt voraus, da vorallem Georges Post Defense gegen James ziemlich schwach war, vllt wird er ja heute im Post mal gedoppelt, was aber wieder freie Würfe für Miller, Battier heisst...
Alles in allem haben die Big Man der Heat das Spiel "entschieden", hat Haslem eigentlich irgendwas daneben geworfen? Aber auch die Pacers' D war erschreckend schlecht, noch nicht mal viele Rebounds bekamen wir..
Nur wenn wir unsere Rebounds bekommen, sowie unsere geniale Defense durchziehen, George ordentlich trifft und wir James Postmoves stoppen, wird's was heute, aber ich glaub irgendwie nicht dran.

Vielleicht, mal sehen. Aber jedes Jahr ist es das Gleiche: ein Team gewinnt ein Spiel, und alle - vor allem Sportjournalisten - reden von fast Unüberwindbarkeit des letzten Verlierers bzw., der zurückliegenden Mannschaften, als hätten wir vergessen also, wie es so oft geht, über solchen Serien.

Ich mach keine Vorhersage, nichts wird mich Überraschen, habe eigentlich keine große Hoffnung, dass Indiana das Series gewinnt, möchte nur, dass sie diese Cliché erfüllen: das nächste Spiel gewinnen. Übrigens, müssen wir nicht unbedingt James Postaktion stoppen, nur die andere Spieler beengen. Wir können das.

 

[Steph Curry]

Sehr schön, hab das Spiel nicht gesehen, aber das Ergebnis gefällt mir doch sehr :cool4:
Hätte ich nach dem Blowout Win der Heat in Spiel 3 nicht gedacht, aber umso cooler :thumb:

Bin mal gespannt wie lang man Miami noch quälen kann, wenn man natürlich in 7 durch einen Buzzer Beater von George weiterkommt wäre das einfach

 

[Pac]

Super Spiel gestern. Endlich wieder die Rebounds geholt, die wir so benötigen sowie unsere knallharte Defense wieder ausgepackt. Sogar James im Post konnte man stoppen :thumb: Das Foul von ihm in der letzten Minute kann man meiner Meinung nach klar geben, fand ich klasse, dass auch bei so einem Star in diesen wichtigen Minuten nicht weggesehen wird, kennt man ja auch anders.. Ich bin aufjedenfall sehr stolz auf das Auftreten in den Playoffs.. hätte ich ja nicht gedacht, da wir ja keinen richtigen Star haben, siehe Nuggets

 

[Short-E]

War ein gutes Spiel, wobei man gemerkt hat, dass schon kleinste Momentumswings die Pacers aus der Reserve locken können (siehe falsche 24-seconds-violation), dass müsste man abstellen.
Hibbert ist ein Tier und wenn er mit dem Selbstbewusstsein weiter macht und sich offensiv noch mehr verbessert wird er ein ganz großer in der Centerriege der NBA.
Negativ ist mir bei Hibbert nur aufgefallen, dass Mario Chalmers 3 mal gegen ihn an/in der Zone scoren konnte, weil Hibbert noch nicht mal seine Arme gehoben hat um den Wurf zu behindern, also für mich ist das Minimaleinsatz, wenn ein kleiner Guard auf einen Center zu kommt oder Backdoor die Grundlinie langgeht.
Stephenson war wahnsinn und konnte den (fast) Ausfall von George gut kompensieren, allerdings verpasste er und auch viele andere Pacers zu oft den Pass in den Post, wo Hibbert und West die ganze Nacht Missmatches hatten und teilweise in unglaublich guter Post-Position nicht angespielt wurden.

 

[Billups]

das fällt mir übrigens die ganze Serie schon auf.

Man könnte noch viel mehr in den Post spielen.

 

[davidly]

Ich liebe Hibbert. Man könnte ja meinen, wie Billups sagte, sie sollen öfter down-low spielen - wie Miami Fans heute auch sagen möchten, hätte James wie in Game 3 mehr Postups (allerdings habe ich seit eh & je auf den Ferngerät geschrieen, "Take it to the f'ing hole!") und während das stimmt, müssen wir doch damit abfinden, dass die Profis in solche Momente etwas sehen, was wir nicht sehen, bzw. umgekehrt... und tun es nicht.

(erinnert man an PJs (Tex Winters) Triplepostoffense, was Jordan nicht sofort überzeugte - und wie die Kommentatoren heute Nacht behauptete, James würde lieber nicht von der Post aus spielen. (ik behoopte, mit dem Triangle wüürde dieses Heatmannschaft unstoppable sein. Naja, das ist aber ein andere Thema... Pacers würde damit auch ziemlich gut auskommen können.))

Was James letztes Foul betrifft, meine ich, war das das letzte von 2 o. 3 make-up Calls für die bekloppte Shotclockviolation. Die Pacers hätte einen 11 Punkt Vorsprung da, war fast sofort aber dann 7, dann 5, usw... Leider geht es so in der NBA.

Dank dieses Gewinns, dürfen wir nun hoffen, Game 5 in Miami zu gewinnen, müssen aber nicht, cuz we're comin' back home, baby!

 

[davidly]

:mensch:
Nicht traurig sein, wegen dem letzten verlorenen Spiel. Wir können das Resultat von letzten Saison immer noch verbessern, in dem wir am Sonnabend im Fieldhouse gewinnen.

 

[Nouma]

What We Learned: Indiana Pacers

The Indiana Pacers played 101 games this season, including 19 during a playoff run that flamed out against the Miami Heat. The season didn’t begin as planned – Danny Granger appeared in just five games because of left knee trouble – but they ultimately took another step forward as they played basketball in the month of June.

They were without their offensive leader and saw their regular season winning percentage dip, but after losing to the Heat in the semifinals last year they pushed the defending champions to the brink in the Eastern Conference Finals.

We learned a lot about the Pacers this season, including how well they match up with Miami. The Heat have lost a total of 30 games since the start of the 2012 playoffs. Seven of those defeats have come at the hands of Indiana.

With the draft looming and free agency on the horizon, here's a player-by-player look at what was gleamed about each member of the Pacers over the last eight months.

D.J. Augustin

Augustin signed a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Pacers last summer, giving him the chance to increase his value in search of a long-term contract. Despite a shallow bench and decent minutes, Augustin didn’t take advantage of the opportunity. He had the lowest PER (11.0) of his five-year career and shooting percentages (TS% and eFG%) significantly lower than his career averages.

With George Hill on the roster, Augustin wasn’t going to start unless Hill was injured. He had a chance to shine in the semifinals against the New York Knicks when Hill sat with a concussion, but didn’t produce as Indiana lost. Things got so bad for Augustin at one point during the regular season that he fell behind Ben Hansbrough in the rotation.

Unable to provide an offensive shot as a member of the second unit, Augustin’s struggles on the defensive end were magnified. Statistically, he was the worst defensive player on the Pacers in a number of metrics. If he isn’t scoring, Indiana has no reason to live with poor defense.

Paul George

It was assumed that George would take on a bigger role offensively, but the sudden loss of Granger forced the third-year swingman into a featured role. With 18.7 points and 15.2 shot attempts in a suit on the bench, George saw his own looks increase 53.6 percent. His usage rate jumped from 19.3 to 23.5 percent as he became the man.

George won the Most Improved Player award, the most meaningless of all NBA honors. He was a budding star that transformed into a burgeoning superstar. George also saw a number of his offensive percentages drop with increased looks. His TS% (.531) and eFG% (.491) were career lows. George struggled to handle the basketball, turning the ball over 2.9 times per game. That said, he showed over the course of the season and in his battle with LeBron James in the conference finals that he’s ready to be considered elite. With his growing offensive game, George has remained a top-level defender.

As strange as it sounds, Lance Stephenson was actually a more deserving winner of the Most Improved Player award, if a member of this team was going to receive it, but the definition of the award is a unique one.

Living up to expectations will be difficult for George (and the Pacers) next season. He’ll be expected to play at an All-Star level each and every night while also improving his jumper, ball handling and upper body strength. Even with Granger back in the fold, he is the face of the franchise and getting another crack at the Heat and a place in the NBA Finals will fall on his shoulders.

Danny Granger

Granger only suited up for the Pacers five times, leaving us with nothing to go on in terms of how he will fit back into the mix. While he has been sidelined, George, Roy Hibbert and Lance Stephenson have all matured. The team he headlined for five seasons was one win away from the NBA Finals without him and there is already talk about drama regarding roles.

Vogel can either put Granger back in the starting five and move Stephenson to the bench, or move Granger to the bench as a super sixth man. There are valid arguments to be made on both sides as both players bring different things to the table. Ultimately, whoever comes off the bench (Granger or Stephenson) will add a much-needed dose of scoring to the group. With training camp four months away and some moves to be made, now is not the time to have a detailed discussion about which player should start.

There have been rumors that the Pacers could shop Granger, but moving him at this point would only bring back pennies on the dollar. He is on the books for a little more than $14 million in the final year of his contract, which provides value on the market, but his recent health makes him a question mark.

The team says he’ll be ready for training camp, which positions the front office to shop him better at midseason. However, if you plan to contend you’re unlikely to make such a significant move in February. It wouldn’t be a bad move to simply keep Granger, see how he fits alongside a maturing George and then watch $14 million come off the salary cap a year from now. Then you can either let him walk or take a crack at re-signing him.

Gerald Green

In a word: Ugh. Green was billed as a potential solution to Indiana’s bench scoring conundrum, but he shot 31.4 percent from deep and less than 37 percent overall in the first season of a three-year deal. He has never been a good defender, relying on athleticism above all else and at 27 years old that advantage is disappearing. The $3.5 million that he was paid this season isn’t all that hard to swallow, but the fact that he has two more years on his pact is.

As a member of the second unit, Green had a 21.3 percent usage rate, making Tyler Hansbrough look like a willing passer. When playing together the ball seemed to magnetize between their four hands. If Green is going to continue to get on the floor, he’ll have to work on his three-point shot and perhaps spend a few weeks at the Vogel School of Defense.

Tyler Hansbrough

Hansbrough’s future is one of the items on Donnie Walsh and Kevin Pritchard’s offseason to-do list. The Pacers will likely issue a $4.22 million qualifying offer to Hansbrough, making him a restricted free agent. That will give them the ability to match any offer he receives.

He continues to provide tremendous energy whenever on the floor, something that was extremely valuable when the starters weren’t. Hansbrough is the type of player that every contending team has at their disposal -- thriving on contact and work ethic. He was the only member of the team to play all 100 games this season, but saw his playing time decrease as the playoffs progressed.

Hansbrough played just 10.1 minutes per game against Miami as he couldn’t keep up with Miami’s smaller, athletic lineup. His future could depend on that of David West, who will be an unrestricted free agent, but ultimately whether or not West re-signs shouldn’t matter. Having Hansbrough as an option off the bench is great, but keeping him for more than $5 million annually might be a mistake.

Roy Hibbert

As well as George played, Hibbert may have been the biggest surprise as the season progressed. After signing a huge contract, he struggled to begin the year before righting the ship in the second half. Hibbert then took his game to another level in the playoffs, using his size advantage to dominate in the paint on the game’s biggest stage.

In 53 games before the All-Star break, Hibbert averaged 10 points and 8.3 rebounds on 41.4 percent shooting. After the break (26 games), his numbers jumped up to 15.7 points and 8.2 boards on 50.8 percent shooting. He even improved his free throw shooting by more than ten percent from the first to the second half. Hibbert shifted to another gear in the playoffs, posting 17 points and 9.9 rebounds on 51.1 percent shooting. One of the last true centers, he raised his game when the Pacers needed him the most.

The growth Hibbert showed from November to the beginning of June was drastic and a welcome sight. He has come a long way from the plodding, winded, immobile center that came out of Georgetown. His understanding of his own body and the game of basketball has reached levels only he felt were possible as recently as a few years ago. He needs to work on his pick-and-roll defense and agility away from the rim, but the big man verbally added those things to his offseason to-do list just minutes after the Pacers were eliminated by the Heat.

George Hill

Statistically this was Hill’s best NBA season, posting career-highs in points (14.2), assists (4.7), rebounds (3.7) and steals (1.1). His shooting percentages were average, not great or poor, but he seemed to become a different player in the playoffs.

His per game numbers were almost identical, but he become turnover prone and inconsistent. Hill shot 40.1 percent from the floor and saw his turnover percentage increase by nearly four percent. You can’t discount the concussion he suffered in the semifinals or the reported foot issue he had against the Heat, but some of his game-to-game numbers were alarming.

Hill, a 45 percent shooter for his career, replicated that mark against Atlanta in the first round. He shot 50 percent or better in four of the six games. He was more assertive against the Knicks, but his percentage dropped to 36.8 percent. He struggled from deep in the second round, hitting just 12 of his 38 attempts. He improved only slightly against the Heat, shooting 38.6 percent while attempting fewer shots than he had in any previous series or during the regular season.

His poor shooting was exacerbated by the fact that Vogel couldn’t count on a significant contribution from his point guard on a nightly basis. He’d shoot 7-for-12 one game, then go 1-for-8 the next. He scored 19 points in Indiana’s Game 4 win over Miami, but then had just one point in a pivotal Game 5.

Vogel needs Hill to be consistent and consistently aggressive if the Pacers are going to take the next step.

Orlando Johnson

Johnson logged 619 minutes in his rookie season, which isn’t too bad given his status as a second-round pick and Vogel’s strange loyalty to Green. His per 36 numbers were promising (11.8 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists), but his shot needs to be more dependable.

People make a big deal out of his high release point, but plenty of unorthodox shots have worked in the NBA – especially in Indiana (Reggie Miller, Jermaine O’Neal). He only attempted 1.8 per game, but Johnson actually led the Pacers in three-point percentage (38.3 percent), which helped him rank third on the team in eFG% (.500).

He has shown signs of being a good defender, which will be the ultimate key to his future. At this point, Johnson is ready to take almost all of Green’s minutes, something I’ve been harping on since April. Johnson will make a fifth of what Green will in 2013-14.

Ian Mahinmi

Mahinmi might be the most captivating case on the roster. The Pacers acquired him in a sign-and-trade with the Mavericks that sent Darren Collison and Dahntay Jones to Dallas. Jones, who had a very trade-friendly contract, became expendable because Indy liked what they saw from Johnson. The Pacers appear to have had a handshake agreement with Augustin last July as they signed him a day after completing the Mahinmi deal.

He was a necessary piece in that he served as Hibbert’s backup and had flashes of very good play this season, but he’ll be 27 at the start of next season and still has a raw feel to him. He can rebound and defend, but doesn’t bring much of anything offensively and hasn’t improved significantly (if at all) on the end in recent years.

With that said, his size and ability to protect the rim in the same sort of scheme that the Pacers employ with Hibbert is worth $4 million annually. He would bring a lot more value if his hands weren’t as chiseled as his arms.

Jeff Pendergraph

He didn’t get a lot of run, but showed signs of the potential he brought to the Trail Blazers when they signed him in September 2009. He has a recent past of knee issues, but didn’t look hampered at all this season.

Pendergraph was known as a very coachable player at Arizona State and that bodes well for him going forward. He’s too small to play center in Vogel’s “smash-mouth” style, but was able to play effective minutes at power forward. He performed well late in the season when given minutes. If Hansbrough doesn’t return, I’m not sure Pendergraph could provide enough offense to fill the void.

Lance Stephenson

If you step back and look at the season as a whole, Stephenson made tremendous strides. Like George, Stephenson was forced to play a much larger role when Granger was sidelined with knee issues. As much of a gamble as it was to thrust that sort of pressure on George, it was like playing Russian roulette to trust Stephenson with a starting role.

Just last postseason, during which he played a total of 12 minutes, Stephenson was more known for choke signs and altercations with Dexter Pittman than his on-court production. A year later, he’s putting up 25 and 10 in a close-out game in the semifinals. He’s still streaky, but the Indiana offense would be even more vanilla if it weren’t for his ability to convert on wild drives to the basket.

The Pacers hold a team option on Stephenson worth less than a million for 2013-14 that they’ll almost certainly exercise. Given his play and solid shooting (46 percent, second only to West) you begin to wonder if something more long-term is needed. Stephenson will benefit from Granger’s return next season even if it means a demotion to the bench. As the leader of the second unit, there would be more chances to Stephenson to showcase his Coney Island-inspired offense.

David West

Decades from now signing George to an extension might look like the bigger move from the summer of 2013, but re-signing West is more important over the short-term. He is the backbone of this team and their elder statesmen with the type of game that should continue to be effective as he ages.

He rebounds the basketball without tremendous leaping ability, relying on positioning and brute strength, defers to younger teammates because he knows his limitations and has one of the most dangerous midrange jumpers in the league.

West saw something in the Pacers in the fall of 2011 that the franchise didn’t even see in itself when he spurred more seasoned clubs to sign a two-year deal coming off major knee surgery. Larry Bird and David Morway, in charge at the time, shelled out $20 million for a player that hadn’t yet shown he could still play at a high level, but more risk fell on West.

He could go down as the most significant free-agent signing the Pacers have ever made.

West brought and continues to bring not only knowledge, but also experience to a budding core. Even on nights in which his shot isn’t falling, he finds a way to contribute. Bothered by flu-like symptoms prior to Game 6 against the Heat, West remained in the lineup. He struggled offensively (going 5-for-14), but had 14 rebounds and four assists to help ensure that his team’s season was extended.

All else could go well for the Pacers next season – a healthy Granger, sustained or improved play from the other starters – but if West isn’t on the roster they will undoubtedly take a step backward.

Sam Young

Young had a rough go at times in the postseason, but at least on paper he seemed like a nice fit. The Pacers knew he wasn’t going to help offensively, but wanted to be able to put Young on the floor with a second unit that included questionable defensive players like Augustin, Green and Hansbrough.

He played good defense, but the lasting memory of Young this season will be the confused look he displayed when LeBron blew past George for a game-winning layup in Game 1 of the conference finals. Young shouldn’t have been on the court and Hibbert should have been, but the image is burned into memory nonetheless.

Young will find work elsewhere as a serviceable player. His 71-game tenure with the Pacers will not be remembered, and if it is, it won’t be for the right reasons.

Ben Hansbrough and Miles Plumlee weren’t featured because of a lack of significant minutes.

http://basketball.realgm.com/article/228286/What-We-Learned-Indiana-Pacers

 

[Joe Berry]

Falls der Greene- Scola Trade durchgeht.

Manhinmi, Scola, Copeland, Granger, Watson

Die Pacers Bank kann sich sehen lassen :thumb: Vor allem sollten ein fitter Granger und Scola instant offense von der Bank bringen, Copeland ist auch ein unterschätzter Scorer, damit hatten die Pacers letzte Saison teils arge Probleme. Wenn man bedenkt was die Pacers in den letzten Playoffs quasi nur mit 5 Mann und 1 1/2 Bankspielern gerissen haben, muss man Indiana als aufm Zettel wenns um das beste Team im Osten geht. Die Pacers brauchen sich nicht vor den Heat, Nets oder Bulls zu verstecken, hoffe dieses mal bleiben alle fit. Ich glaube nächste Saison sind die Heat fällig und ich würde mein Geld auf die Pacers setzen.

 

[Miller31]

Ja, toller Trade für die Pacers. Das zeigt für mich auch, dass man im Win now Modus ist und die Schwächen der letzten Saison erkannt hat. Mit der Bank hätte das gegen die Heat womöglich anders geendet.
Ich freue mich jedenfalls auf die nächste Saison...
Bei Plumlee war man wohl der Meinung, dass es nicht reicht für die Backup Rolle.

 

[sonic00]

Ich denke die Pacers haben schon versucht mit dem Pick was in der Draftnacht anzustellen,aber aus mangelnden Alternativen hat man dann wohl BAP genommen und sich nun einen Tradepartner gesucht.

absolut toller job vom frontoffice in diesem Jahr. Alle Schwächen komplett beseitigt. Aus der schwächsten Bank aller Contender, wurde die vielleicht beste Bank.
Mahinmi, Scola, Granger, Watson, Copeland, So, Solmon Hill......wow:thumb:

Dazu diese Wahnsinns-Starting Five

Hill
Stephenson
George
West
Hibbert


Die Pacers sind für mich nicht nur auf dem Blatt der Top-Contender. In den Playoffs hat lediglich ein Sieg für die Finals gefehlt und jetzt noch mit 3-4 hochqualitativen Bankspielern mehr im Team...das kann es nur ein Ziel geben im nächsten Jahr.

 

[erminator]

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/229913/Paul-George-Says-Hell-Sign-Extension-With-Pacers

Damit wird George wohl auch finanziell der Franchise-Player . Hätte ich nicht gedacht das er sich so früh zu den Pacers bekennt. :thumb:

 

[Dyrone]

Mann, mann, mann, mann, mann gibt es dieseits des atlantiks echt kein einzigen Pacers Fan?

Ich lass mal die 6-0 mal ausser acht, aber schon allein 84 points per gm allowed, ist ne richtig geile hausnummer. Pacers für mich dieses Jahr die beste Mannschaft in der Liga bis jetzt. Hibbert mit durchschnittlichen 4,5 blocks pro gm, George mit verbesserten Wurfquoten gegenüber letztem Jahr (hab das Spiel gg. die Bulls gesehen, schon richtig gut wie der zwei, drei mal gegen deng oder butler in iso gegangen ist und vorbei gezogen hat oder den stepback mit selbstvertrauen genommen hat, man hatte sobald er zum stepback ansetzte immer das gefühl der geht rein.)

George ist etz schon extrem gut, bringt wirklich das ganze Packet. Geile Defense, 25 PPG, 8 RPG, 4 APG, 1 BPG, 1,5 SPG. Meine Herren wir haben ein Superstar allererste Güte in Indiana. Wenn die Stats einigermassen konstant auf dem Niveau bleiben und Indiana Richtung 2# seed marschiert wäre George ein legitimer MVP. Wie sieht ihr das? Hätte er Chancen?

Stephenson überrascht wirklich diese Saison. Er ist wirklich verbessert.

Die Bank passt mittlerweile auch. Scola gefällt mir sehr gut von der Bank.

Ich wage mal ein Tipp: obwohl es noch eigentlich viel zu früh für sowas ist, sag ich das Indiana 1# seed im Osten ist und bei den Conference Finals vertreten sein wird.

 

[Tuco]

Auf jeden Fall bekommen die Pacers hier für ihre Saison (die sich ja schon in den letzten POs angedeutet hat) hier zu wenig Aufmerksamkeit, absolut. Da will ich mich mal erbarmen...

Was ich besonders beeindruckend finde, ist dass man hier in einem small market Team ohne besondere Vorteile wie angenehmes Klima oder niedrige Steuern (jedenfalls meines Wissens) einen contender gebastelt hat, ohne einen einzigen wirklich hohen Draftpick gehabt zu haben. Paul George an #10, Roy Hibbert an #17, Lance Stephenson in der zweiten Runde - das ist schon extrem stark, wie man da gedraftet und die Spieler entwickelt hat.

Falls die Pacers die regular season als bestes Team im Osten abschließen (natürlich noch viel zu früh für eine solche Prognose, aber möglich ist es eben), ist Paul George dann sicherlich auch ein MVP-Kandidat. Die Stats geben das jedenfalls locker her.

 

[WallIn]

Bin großer George Fan seit Stunde 0...kann mich noch an das Streitgespräch über seine Größe im Hornets Thread erinnern..
Allgemein ist das Team absolut sympathisch und vorallem extrem intelligent zusammengestellt. Da ist einfach was zusammen gewachsen und es gibt Scoring Option sowohl bei den Big Men als auch bei den Guards. Gerade die Entwicklung von Lance ist beachtlich und ein wahrer Glücksfall! (Gut das Bird ihm das Vertrauen geschenkt hat).

Die Pacers sind das einzige Team neben Washington von denen ich jedes Spiel gesehen und mitgefiebert habe, vielt versuch ich auch mal den Thread ein bisschen mehr Aufmerksamkeit zuschenken.