The Indiana Pacers season did not live up their standards in 08′-09′ winning only 36 games. This is not how most remember the Pacers, but the Miller days are over.
The bright side to their season was that they didn’t have trouble scoring; they averaged 105 points per game, 5th in the NBA. They still managed to go less than .500 on the season, thanks to their defensive qualities.
Granger’s scoring averages have increased every year since he has been in the league since 04′. 08′-09′ Granger was fifth in scoring at 25.1 points per game - look for another year similar this season as well.
Granger was a one man show in Indiana, single handedly responsible for many of the team’s 36 wins. His 25.8 points per game were the fifth highest in the NBA, and he was one of the only players in the league to average over one block and one steal per game.
The Central division should be an improvement overall - the Chicago Bulls are potentially a high 40 win team, the Cleveland Cavs acquired Shaquille O’Neal and will be the front runners.
The Pacers will have to improve on their 36 win season if they expect to make the playoffs. The Pacers did draft A.J. Price and Tyler Hansbrough - what playing time they will see should probably be limited in the beginning of the season but increase as the season moves forward. Unless you are an outstanding rookie, rookies see little action their first season.
Unfortunately for Pacer fans, he can’t do it all on his own. He’s a great player to build the team around, but they need some serious help defensively. This team can score points, but there’s no way to go deep with a weak defense.
Head Coach Jim O’Brien has a good group of young talent that he would like to mold into a playoff team that can at least compete against the top teams in the East. If O’Brien manages another 36 win season his job could possibly be in danger. The President of Basketball Operations, Larry Bird, is a patient man - but he can’t tolerate another losing season.
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