Under the Spotlight : The Indiana Pacers

The Pacers have started off hot this year, but how many of these guys are superstars? | The West End/flickr.com

The Indiana Pacers are currently ranked seventh in the 2011-2012 Hollinger Power Rankings. Although they posted a dismal 37-45 record the previous season, they “earned” the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference in the 2011 playoffs. This year, the Pacers are off to a great start (17-8) and fourth in the conference standings. This organization does not get as much recognition as they should, they’re constantly overshadowed by the bigger market teams. However, this team will continue to do what they are accustomed to doing exceptionally well. Their overwhelming physical play is one of the keys to their success thus far. They are ranked fourth in the NBA with just over 44 rebounds per game, as well as in the top ten (7th) for points allowed at 91.

Roy Hibbert, the focal point of the defense has great size in the paint at the center position; he is 7’2, 260 pounds and came from a school with a great basketball program in Georgetown. He will be making his first all-star appearance as a reserve later this month at the Amway Center.

As for the team’s most valuable piece overall, it has to be Danny Granger. This is a seasoned vet whose who certainly is struggling early on at just 38% from the field, but is still generating slightly over 18 points per game. He is a former all-star (2009), proven leader and exceptional defender as well. The remaining three starters are very young, and will lead very productive NBA careers. Darren Collison is a quick, elusive point guard and he’s just 24. Tyler Hansbrough, the former first round pick in the 2009 draft was highly decorated out of UNC. Although he is not a game changer, he brings great intangibles such as smart decision making and continuous effort. Pacer’s shooting guard Paul George is a ripe 21 years old, also a former first round pick (2010). He is a multi-dimensional scorer and not too shabby defensively. This basketball team can be fun to watch for years to come with all the unlimited amount of athleticism and youth; the current starters average age is barely 25.

They also have been superb on the road, they played 13 of the first 19 games away and won eight. Their main concern if they were to stay relevant is their depth. They do not have many guys that can come off the bench and provide instant offense. The Indiana Pacers did sign former all-star and NBA veteran David West this past December though. He will be able to give Tyler Hansbrough great advice as a backup at the power forward position.

Finally, Frank Vogel, the Pacers head coach has been around the league for a long time. This is his 15th year but first full season as a head coach after taking over for Jim O’Brien. He has experience with a coaching legend in Rick Pitino while in Boston, and he also served as an assistant for the 76ers.

This team will be very interesting to watch as the season progresses, I just do not believe they have the depth to advance past the second round.

Eric Worby can be reached at eworby@spartans.ut.edu.