Four Steps to Save the Pacers

Written by Dylan Hunter Carter

The Indiana Pacers franchise has always been seen as a winning team backed by President Larry Bird. Reggie Miller led them to the playoffs throughout the nineties and early 2000’s before leaving them in a rough spot. Behind Danny Granger, the Pacers struggled to make an impact in the playoffs until Paul George was drafted in 2010. His impact wasn't immediate but it was clear that he had incredible potential. The team improved each year with the talents of Paul George, David West, Lance Stephenson, Roy Hibbert, and George Hill. After losing in the playoffs to the Miami Heat in the 2014 Postseason, Paul George suffered a catastrophic leg injury during a scrimmage in preparation of the Fiba World Cup of Basketball. George was to miss the entire 14-15 NBA Season. With Stephenson leaving to join the Charlotte Hornets and George out for the season, the Pacers were doomed to have a difficult season. George unexpectedly announced an early return with restricted minutes for the Pacers in March during their Playoff Push. The Pacers finished the season with a record of 38-44 and the ninth seed in the East. So with the off-season approaching, the Pacers have a difficult task at hand and one question on their minds: What will it take?

1. Let Roy Hibbert leave, sign Greg Monroe

Hibbert, although he has provided incredible playing time in the past, has proven that he cannot operate under pressure and he cannot lead the team. His contract will not be worth his low productivity on the court. Allowing Hibbert to leave will create more cap space and will allow the Pacers to sign unrestricted free-agent Greg Monroe, who plays with fluidity, consistency, and aggression that Hibbert does not. Monroe would provide a clear second option for the Pacers, who sorely need it since the departure of Lance Stephenson.

2. Retain Chris Copeland and Rodney Stuckey’s contracts

Copeland and Stuckey are two players who stepped up for the Pacers without Paul George and have become two key components to their rotation. Retaining their contracts would greatly increase their chances of reaching the level of play they once had. Copeland’s fantastic shooting stroke bailed the Pacers out countless times and Stuckey’s all around play style created versatility for the team. They have also created chemistry with most players on the team.

3.  Get Paul George back to superstar form

George’s talent and superstardom are not in question, but his health is. His comeback in March showed great signs of the player he was a year ago, but he also has shown that he needs to shake off the rust and work even harder to improve. This shouldn’t be hard for George, as his hard working mentality drove him to an early recovery, but he shouldn’t have to do it alone. The Indiana training staff has to be ready to spend a lot of time with him during the offseason to prepare him for another long 82 game season where he’ll be expected to come up big. If there’s any player who can return from an injury like this and improve their game at the same time, it’s Paul George.

4. Make a Smart Acquisition with the 11th Pick

There are plenty of hidden gems in the 2015 Draft, the Pacers have an opportunity to make a pick that could impact their team as a whole. Its very likely that some great picks will be slipping in the draft because of the needs of other teams. The Pacers need to be aware of this and make sure they use their picks wisely. If no one slips in the draft then the Pacers still have the opportunity to pick an underrated player such as Sam Dekker or Frank Kaminsky. This is a great draft class and the Pacers have lots of options. It’s crucial that they make a smart pick.

One bright side that the Pacers always have to remember is that the East is a very weak conference compared to the West, and they’re a very talented team with great players and a great coach. Overcoming their hardships will be a lot easier when the competition is easier. George Hill, although he was hurt, had a fantastic season last year. Between George’s return, the emergence of Hill, and the opportunity of free agency, the Pacers shouldn’t have any problem returning to the playoffs next season.

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