Indiana Pacers: Can Frank Vogel & Brian Shaw Lead Team to a Deep Playoff Run?

Sometimes an NBA team is like a party. The success of both depends on the people present, and it only takes one guy to ruin it. Sometimes it's the uninvited dope and other times it's the poor awkward chap who just doesn't vibe with the others.

Since the draft, I've maintained George Hill could be that second guy. With Collison already the point guard and Hill being to small to play off-guard, he doesn't really fit in with the rest of the group.

Though after a friend recently made an observation that Hill could be the Pacers' Jason Terry, I've been coming around. By acquiring Hill, the Pacers have the pieces to put together a Mavericks-like roster, but they still need direction (a guy named Dirk wouldn't hurt either).

Newly hired coaches Frank Vogel and Brian Shaw are the perfect minds to make it work.

Last year, the Pacers played at the sixth fastest pace in the league, and although the pace slowed under the more methodical Vogel, the Pacers have the athleticism to push the tempo.

They also have Roy Hibbert. At 7'2'' the Pacers' center is the perfect prototype player for the triangle offense that Shaw help perfect in L.A. 

The combination of Vogel's energy and Shaw's expertise will provide the flexibility to push the ball or run a slow, measured half court offense.

The versatility isn't just limited to offensive system. With Hill, the Pacers now have a player who can create a lot of mismatches coming off the bench as well.

(Again, I think the Pacers should have looked elsewhere given their needs, but this is what we have so we might as well make it work.)

If Vogel is smart, which he is, he will take a page out of former Pacers coach Rick Carlisle's playbook. Carlisle got stuck with the same awkward arrangement as Vogel has now. He had a combo guard who wasn't big enough, nor had a natural position, but still deserved the minutes.

Carlisle made a risky move by sending the former starter to the bench, telling him to swallow his pride in the process. For Vogel, it won't be as difficult. Hill already was used to coming off the bench in San Antonio. 

With Hill coming off the bench, the Pacers now have a multifaceted attack. The Pacers can go big - Collison, George, Granger, Hansbrough and Hibbert (the last four all above 6'8 and you could even throw in Lance Stephenson who is 6'5 at point), or the Pacers can push the tempo with a quicker smaller unit in Collison, Hill, George, Granger and Hansbrough.

The possibilities are unique and exciting. The question will be whether the coaching staff can preserve some kind of continuity and keep all the players happy.

After a 20-18 finish and a hard fought playoff series against Chicago, Vogel won the support of the players. He had the Pacers believing in the system and in each other.

As the previously linked article mentions, the players were Vogel's most ardent supporters. The trade for Hill though creates a tricky dilemma. Hill does not fit a need for the Pacers. Instead, he adds to the log jam of players similar to him, which if he steals others' minutes, could lead to grumbling.

Enter Brian Shaw. As a Lakers' assistant, Shaw dealt with and soothed the ego of one of the game's biggest divas. For every Kobe flareup, Shaw was the go-to-guy to restore the calm.

In Indiana, he will continue that role. Vogel brings youth, energy and confidence to the team. Shaw will add an experienced hand and the ability to keep the group together and focused.

Between the two of them, the Pacers have enough leadership to make it all work. With the players the Pacers have, a deep playoff run isn't out of the question. Now it's up to the coaches to get them their.

With such a young roster, coaching and leadership will be crucial. Can they save the party?

Larry Bird thinks so.