2012/13 NBA Team Rankings & Previews: #7 Indiana Pacers
#7 - Indiana Pacers
2011/12 Record: 42-24, lost Western Conference Semifinals
2012/13 Projected Record: 52-30, playoffs
Key Additions:
D.J. Augustin - Point Guard
Gerald Green - Small Forward
Ian Mahinmi - Center
Key Departures:
Darren Collison - Point Guard
Depth Chart:
Point Guard: George Hill, D.J. Augustin
Shooting Guard: Paul George, Lance Stephenson
Small Forward: Danny Granger, Gerald Green
Power Forward: David West, Tyler Hansbrough
Center: Roy Hibbert, Ian Mahinmi
The X Factor:
Paul George
One of the most talented and freakishly athletic players in the NBA, the 22-year-old George is a superstar-in-waiting. The only question is if he is willing to play more selfishly to get to that level.
Summary:
There's not really any weak links when you scan the Pacers' roster for this upcoming season. They've got size, athleticism, scoring, defense, and most importantly - they play as a team. However, while we all love to think that "teams" win titles, in actuality superstars are the ones who grab the rings. And with no superstars on the Pacers' roster, they'll have to be satisfied with just being one of the top teams in the East.
NBA Preseason Power Rankings
#8 - Denver Nuggets
#9 - Brooklyn Nets
#10 - Memphis Grizzlies
#11 - Philadelphia 76ers
#12 - Minnesota Timberwolves
#13 - Dallas Mavericks
#14 - New York Knicks
#15 - Atlanta Hawks
#16 - Chicago Bulls
#17 - Utah Jazz
#18 - Golden State Warriors
#19 - Portland Trailblazers
#20 - Milwaukee Bucks
#21 - Cleveland Cavaliers
#22 - New Orleans Hornets
#23 - Washington Wizards
#24 - Toronto Raptors
#25 - Sacramento Kings
#26 - Phoenix Suns
#27 - Houston Rockets
#28 - Detroit Pistons
#29 - Orlando Magic
#30 - Charlotte Bobcats
