Indiana Pacers: What Will Be Considered a Successful Season?

The Indiana Pacers are arguably the most improved team in the league (or the Philadelphia 76ers).  

Last year, they went 37-45 and squeaked into the playoffs as the No. 8 seed in the East.  Then, they were ousted by the Chicago Bulls in five games.

However, during their series against Chicago, they raised eyebrows by battling the Bulls closely in all five contests.  

Quite frankly, if the Pacers had caught a couple breaks, that series could've easily been stretched to seven games.

That playoff series gave them confidence entering this season, and they've rode that confidence to an impressive start.

Defensively, Indiana ranks in the upper echelon and that doesn't figure to decline with defensive-minded coach Frank Vogel governing the squad.

They also possess an array of weapons on offense, including veterans Danny Granger and David West and promising youngsters Darren Collison, Roy Hibbert and Paul George.

They have the core pieces in place and appear poised to challenge the league's elite teams.

This begs us to consider what will define a successful season for the 2011-12 Indiana Pacers.  

One could argue that a season is only successful if it culminates in a championship, but let's not get ahead of ourselves.  

Characteristically, the teams that win championships have to progressively inch closer to bringing home the hardware.  

I'm not saying it's impossible for Indiana to win the 2012 championship because crazier things have happened (I mean, the Pacers do play in the same state where the tale known as "Hoosiers" once occurred).

Yet, it's highly unlikely that they'll get past the more talented and experienced squads in Miami and Chicago.

But the Pacers don't have to "shock the world" to deem this a successful season.  

If they get out of the first round (which will be tough because they will likely draw a playoff-tested team in Boston, Atlanta or Orlando), then that's a huge step in the right direction.  

But would that be enough to define a successful season?

If you're a true Pacers fan, you're going to say no, because you want more!  

What would truly make it a successful season is if they can get to the second round and valiantly battle Miami or Chicago.  Even if they come up short (which they most likely will), it would be highly valuable if they could stretch such a series to six or seven games.  Such a battle would add another notch of experience and progress them towards further glory in coming seasons.

I'm not trying to shoot Pacers fans' hopes of winning the 2012 title down, but we have to keep things in perspective.  They're making major strides and it would be a big stride if they could get to the second round and fearlessly challenge Miami or Chicago.

And who knows, they've been playing Chicago tough.  Perhaps they will shock the world and make this a season to never forget.