Eastern Conference Most Intriguing Starting Line-Ups: Indiana Pacers

I really can't remember when was the last time the Pacers had a winning season. it's been a while. They are rebuilding now around their star Danny Granger, and what a rebuilding process it has been so far.

I am not saying they have only made bad moves, but they haven't made too many good moves, let's put it that way.

It seems that this year they have many things to look forward to though. Granger came back with a lot of experience from his summer with Team USA with maybe an idea of what it feels like to win some games.

I expect a big year for him, maybe not too much improvement on the numbers (they are good already), but an improvement in team leadership and responsibility. The Pacers have also added dynamic PG Darren Collison, who proved his value when CP3 got hurt last year.

I mean I always had confidence in him, since his UCLA years, and lets not forget that he was the PG of that team sharing the back court with the PG sensation Russell Westbrook. Collison should have an amazing year taking over the Pacers and is a early candidate for most improved player.

The Pacers should also be excited for Roy Hibbert's development. He has been constantly improving, and that is one of the most important things you look in your prospects. Hibbert started slow but I am expecting him to put up at least 16 and eight this coming year.

He is also the only scoring option they have in the low post. Jeff Foster will be coming off the bench like always to give them 100 offensive boards a game like usual, and his crazy energy lift.

Those were the positive issues for the Pacers (Oh! and Dunleavy seems to be healthy for now, so he can be a wild card playing any position from two to four). The bad news is that they don't have a reliable SG with both Brandon Rush (who seemed to struggle a lot to score and basically any aspect of the game last year) and the latest self proclaimed "Kobe Stopper" in Danthay Jones (who for a change had a decent year with limited minutes).

My guess is that they will try to develop the beefy prospect from Kansas and hope he improves.

The bigger debate comes on the PF position. You have "I can't score to save my life" or "no post moves at all" McRoberts, who at least brings good athleticism and offensive boards and maybe tip back dunks to the equation, but at the same time as much Bball IQ as a armadillo in the middle of the ocean.

He seems to be getting the nod for now. They also have the 20 season veteran who is too old to jump and do a swift move, or block a shot Tyler Hansbrough. He brings the old veteran hustle plays and the velocity and agility of a snail.

Wait a minute research here is telling me even though Tyler has all the negative parts of being a 20 season veteran he is only coming up to his two year in the league.

Oh well, good luck Pacers! The kid is a leader though, and might be one of the hardest nosed players in the league, and he can learn a lot from his more skilled twin Jeff Foster.

At the end I think it's good that they are aiming for a playoff spot. The east is much improved though, so it's a tough task they have ahead. I believe the X factor is Mike Dunleavy and if he can stay healthy, plus the improvement of Roy Hibbert.

Projected starting line up: PG Darren Collison  SG Brandon Rush  SF Danny Granger  PF Josh McRoberts  C Roy Hibbert  Big minutes off the bench: TJ Ford, Mike Dunleavy, and maybe the rookie Paul George from Fresno State, oh and Danthay Jones to stop Kobe and to guard the Heat's trio by himself.