Such is the case with the Indiana Pacers. They rewarded fans with a 42-24 record last season. They appeared in the Eastern Conference semifinals for the first time since the 2004-05 campaign. They made winters exciting again in a town searching for a winner after Peyton Manning’s neck made Sundays with the Indianapolis Colts more sour than sweet.
But a treat of a season, unless it ends with commissioner David Stern awarding the Larry O’Brien Trophy, can be a tease. The Pacers won at least 42 games for the first time in seven years. Yet a question remains: How far could they have gone if the Miami Heat hadn’t won three consecutive games to end their season?
The Pacers are a humble addition among Eastern Conference heavyweights. They offer solid contributors like forward Danny Granger (18.7 points per game last season), center Roy Hibbert (12.8 ppg) and forward David West (12.8 ppg).
They have proven effective under coach Frank Vogel, who enters his second full season after replacing Jim O’Brien. They lack the Heat’s headlines, but they have made the postseason the past two seasons after a four-year absence.
Sound. Workmanlike. A threat.
The Pacers also could be a factor in the Central Division. Derrick Rose is expected to miss most of the season with a torn left ACL, which could cause a shuffle at the top of the standings.
Indiana is a franchise on the upswing.
How far can the Pacers go?
Last season: 42-24, lost to Miami in Eastern Conference semifinals.
Coach: Frank Vogel (third year, 62-42).
Top returnees: C Roy Hibbert, F Danny Granger, F Paul George.
Key additions: C Ian Mahinmi, G D.J. Augustin, G Gerald Green.
X-Factor: George. This could be a telling season for the 6-foot-8, 221-pound guard. On Oct. 22, the Pacers announced they had exercised an option that will keep the Fresno State product in Indianapolis through the 2013-14 campaign.
He enters his third season after showing steady growth in the previous two: As a rookie, he averaged 7.8 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game. Last year, he started 66 games and averaged 12.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists. He’s a strong finisher in the paint with tantalizing athletic ability. He’s only beginning to reveal his potential, a plus for Vogel’s vision.
Strengths: Where Hibbert and Granger lead, the Pacers will follow. The duo represents Indiana’s two most vital offensive threats, and they must be active if the Pacers have hopes of staging a deep postseason run.
The good news: They’re proven commodities, combining for 31.5 points and 13.8 rebounds per game last season. Indiana is known for an effective blend of complementary talents, but Hibbert and Granger can be counted on to provide an offensive spark for the Pacers to remain a Central Division contender. After an efficient 2011-12 campaign, expectations live in the Hoosier State before what should be a fascinating year. Hibbert and Granger will be trusted to provide leadership along the way.
Weaknesses: Indiana still lacks the definitive star it needs to be a true threat to claim the Eastern Conference. Granger and Hibbert, George and West have proven to be strong assets, but Indiana is without a supreme talent that could topple the Heat.
The Pacers revealed their strength as a group in jumping to a 2-1 lead against Miami in the Eastern Conference semifinals. But in the end, the Heat had too much depth for blue-collar Indiana. In the coming months, expect the Pacers to be a player in the Eastern Conference again. But once more, they will fall short to stronger stars.
Outlook: Derrick Rose’s ACL tear in his left knee, sustained during the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs last year, creates opportunity at the top of the open Central Division. The Chicago Bulls were eight games better than the Pacers last season. But with Rose likely to sit most of the winter, Indiana should make a push for its first division title since the 2003-04 campaign. The Pacers won’t threaten the Heat in the postseason – who will? – but advancing past the first round is possible.
Prediction: 48-34
2012-13 schedule: Link
FOX Sports: Pacers home
You can follow Andrew Astleford on Twitter @aastleford or email him at aastleford@gmail.com.
