by The GM on September 2 at 8:20PM
ESPN and their panel of NBA hoop heads have put together their predictions for the upcoming NBA season. And, like last season, the Pacers are predicted to be below average. The average amount of wins predicted for the Pacers this season is 34.
After trading away Jermaine O'Neal, the team looks to fit the style of play that Jim O'Brien likes. With TJ Ford and Jarret Jack (also acquired in a trade) running the point and dishing to Mike Dunleavy Jr, Danny Granger, Brandon Rush and Shawne Williams on the wings, Indiana is looking to score plenty of points. Now, only if they can defend the perimeter and rebound a little better. With Jeff Foster, Troy Murphy, new addition Rasho Nesterovic, and rookie Roy Hibbert, the post positions have taken on a new look. Foster is always a banger on the boards, Nesterovic will throw in around 5 and 5, Hibbert will learn to become a fierce shot blocker, and Troy Murphy will have his nights where he will grab 10 to 15 rebounds. Murphy really needs to go back to the type of player he was in Golden State, minus the injuries. If he can get back into the double-double mode and not fall totally in love with the three, then this team can really put it on some people.
I just don't get the prediction of 34 wins. Last season, they were without JO and Jamal Tinsley for quite a bit of time and they still ended up winning 36 games and missed being the 8th seed in the East by 1 game.
I feel that the team is much improved on last season's roster and should push more for 40 to 43 wins this year.
After trading away Jermaine O'Neal, the team looks to fit the style of play that Jim O'Brien likes. With TJ Ford and Jarret Jack (also acquired in a trade) running the point and dishing to Mike Dunleavy Jr, Danny Granger, Brandon Rush and Shawne Williams on the wings, Indiana is looking to score plenty of points. Now, only if they can defend the perimeter and rebound a little better. With Jeff Foster, Troy Murphy, new addition Rasho Nesterovic, and rookie Roy Hibbert, the post positions have taken on a new look. Foster is always a banger on the boards, Nesterovic will throw in around 5 and 5, Hibbert will learn to become a fierce shot blocker, and Troy Murphy will have his nights where he will grab 10 to 15 rebounds. Murphy really needs to go back to the type of player he was in Golden State, minus the injuries. If he can get back into the double-double mode and not fall totally in love with the three, then this team can really put it on some people.
I just don't get the prediction of 34 wins. Last season, they were without JO and Jamal Tinsley for quite a bit of time and they still ended up winning 36 games and missed being the 8th seed in the East by 1 game.
I feel that the team is much improved on last season's roster and should push more for 40 to 43 wins this year.
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