INDIANA PACERS SHOULD COMPETE FOR A PLAYOFF SPOT!

Don't fall asleep, try and keep "pace" with Indiana. Most of us are probably unable to name 5 players on this team...certainly not their revamped roster. And who did they draft in the first round? It's ok. The Pacers are familiar with the unfamiliar.

Danny Granger, all-star small forward and franchise player for this team, is coming off a gold medal summer with FIBA USA. He will once again be the face of the franchise and lead them once again in scoring. Tyler Hansborough is healthy again and Roy Hibbert has been working at a feverish pace to improve his offensive and defensive prowess. Key additions of Darren Collison and James Posey will loom large for this team as Collison wants to prove that last year's rookie campaign with New Orleans Hornets wasn't a fluke. Posey, the ultimate glue guy, will once again fill in the gaps. In my opinion, Posey was the missing link to Boston's attempt at another title. His ability to defend multiple positions and spread the floor on offense makes him a definite welcomed addition to this team. Rookie Lance Stephenson is a player to watch as well.

Ok, let me introduce you to the future. If you don't know, now you know. Paul George will be in the running for rookie of the year award. He will most certainly be participating in all star weekend, maybe not in the varsity game, but most certainly in the rookie game. Indiana increased their need for athleticism and youth when drafting George. Coming from Fresno State, he is used to getting up and down the floor. Paul is a 6 foot 8 inch wing player who can handle, shoot and play above the rim. He will most certainly bring excitement playing the shooting guard/small forward slot.

Couple the above talent with crafty veterans like Luther Head, T.J. Ford, Mike Dunleavy, Jeff Foster, Brandon Rush and Dahntay Jones, the Pacers are a team headed in the right direction. Don't be surprised midway through the season to look up and find the pacers right in the thick of things. It's ok to fear the deer, but you also cannot erase the Pace-rs!

Ilee Coleman - Sofahoops.net