Post by duce on Feb 11, 2007 13:36:13 GMT -5
Just a season ago Indiana appeared to be a lost franchise with no direction in mind. Some will agree and some will disagree. At any rate, this is clearly not the case for now. The Pacers' front office filled three starting line-up holes with three blockbuster trades this off-season. They now feel that they've gone from being a .500 team to becoming a championship contender in the eastern conference.
But was the timing bad? Many would say that even though this is one of the more complete teams in the league, that nobody has a chance to bring down the "Power-House Pistons" who have a team of all-star talent. Detroit certainly brings a huge challenge. Philadelphia and Washington can not be overlooked from the Pacers' perspective either.
As far as Indiana's actual team, they really field a versitile and flexible team. Aside from having a superstar forward in Kevin Garnett, they also have a pair of wing players with Grant Hill and Michael Finley that give this team a lot of options in a half court offense. Add in Andre Miller, and they're able to run as well. Offensively this team can really adapt to any style of play.
The team is also pretty strong defensively. Center, Adonal Foyle and Garnett are great all-around defenders and very good rebounders. There are no real flaws in the team's defense, though they will not be perfect.
As much as the franchise is in good shape, this Indiana team will be the underdog all season long if they're lucky. The fact is they have excellent competition and really are still a young roster at most positions. The goal is going to be winning the championship obviously and time will tell if the Pacers have what it takes. They have the high talent. They have the high expectations.
But this is a season where you need more than that. They're up against a huge challenge and will almost definitely need a career season from everyone in their rotations - particularly Kevin Garnett. With all the talent around him, the pressure is on. This is K.G.'s time to shine. Will he lead the Pacers to getting the big prize?
But was the timing bad? Many would say that even though this is one of the more complete teams in the league, that nobody has a chance to bring down the "Power-House Pistons" who have a team of all-star talent. Detroit certainly brings a huge challenge. Philadelphia and Washington can not be overlooked from the Pacers' perspective either.
As far as Indiana's actual team, they really field a versitile and flexible team. Aside from having a superstar forward in Kevin Garnett, they also have a pair of wing players with Grant Hill and Michael Finley that give this team a lot of options in a half court offense. Add in Andre Miller, and they're able to run as well. Offensively this team can really adapt to any style of play.
The team is also pretty strong defensively. Center, Adonal Foyle and Garnett are great all-around defenders and very good rebounders. There are no real flaws in the team's defense, though they will not be perfect.
As much as the franchise is in good shape, this Indiana team will be the underdog all season long if they're lucky. The fact is they have excellent competition and really are still a young roster at most positions. The goal is going to be winning the championship obviously and time will tell if the Pacers have what it takes. They have the high talent. They have the high expectations.
But this is a season where you need more than that. They're up against a huge challenge and will almost definitely need a career season from everyone in their rotations - particularly Kevin Garnett. With all the talent around him, the pressure is on. This is K.G.'s time to shine. Will he lead the Pacers to getting the big prize?