Indiana Pacers: 5 Players Who Might Become the Face of the Franchise

The NBA is defined by superstars. Players like LeBron, Kobe, Wade, Howard and Nowitzki sell tickets, expand the reach of the NBA worldwide and put their franchises on the map.

Cleveland was nothing before LeBron.

Howard anchored and drifted Orlando.

The Big Three and Rondo reinvigorated a proud Boston franchise. 

For small-market teams, the face of the franchise is even more important. One player can galvanize a fanbase and lift the spirits of an entire city.

For Indiana, finding that player is critical. Having floundered since the retirement of Reggie Miller, Indiana is finally climbing the ranks of the East's upper echelon once again. 

Do the Pacers have a player who can get them over the top and a leader who can excite the fans?

So far they have yet to find one. Here are five potential players who could shoulder the expectations of the city. 

5. George Hill

The Indianapolis native has the obvious partial crowd behind him, but will have to take on more than the role-player sidekick calling he had in San Antonio if he wants to ignite the home fans. 

A decent three-point shooter at .378 lifetime, Hill will have to bury the open tre's when called upon to help space the floor and take some of the pressure off Granger and Hibbert. 

A long shot for becoming the next face of the franchise, Hill should still have a critical role in helping the Pacers close out games down the stretch. 

4. Tyler Hansbrough

Love him or hate him, you definitely are aware of his presence when Hansbrough is on the court. The UNC star's hustle and heart are contagious, and are exactly what the Pacers and locker room need more of.

Lacking a brash and brazen-type star, Hansbrough is not afraid to do the dirty work and get physical.  

A player who plays with a chip on his shoulder and who enjoys banging with bigger opponents, Hansbrough represents the blue collar, fight-until-the-whistle type of player Hoosier fans love. 

Several times last year, it was Hansbrough who also came to the defense of his teammates with a tough rebound, sharp elbow or steely glare. 

If the Pacers sign a free-agent power forward, Hansbrough will be the ideal spark off the bench to give both the players and fans a lift.

Already a fan favorite since the day he arrived, Hansbrough's popularity should continue to increase. 

3. Free Agent X: David West?

Clamoring for a scoring-oriented power forward, fans should love the idea of signing David West, a player who can not only fill the basket but also plays with an infectious energy and passion. 

Not an elite superstar, West's presence would certainly add prestige and notoriety to a team mainly comprised of solid team-oriented-type role-players. 

With Granger and Hibbert cemented as the leaders of the team, West wouldn't have to be the man, but he would certainly fit right in among them. 

If West can generate the same buzz as he did in New Orleans, Pacers fans would warmly accept his addition. 

2. Danny Granger

Danny Granger has served as the face of the franchise the past several years, winning the honor more by default than anything else. 

Nonetheless, the 2009 Most Improved Player of the Year and a one-time All-Star is a more than capable leader who has quietly raised both his level and that of his teammates around him.

A gifted scorer and tough defender, Granger is exactly the player the Pacers will need to rely on. Sometimes shy off the court, Granger will continue to win over fans and the media alike by staying focused and taking care of business on the court. 

If the Pacers make a playoff push, Granger will likely be leading the charge. 

1. Roy Hibbert

Entering his fourth season, this is Roy Hibbert's team now—at least it better be.

Hibbert has seen his minutes per game, points per game and rebounds per game rise dramatically each year in the league. 

Having averaged 27.7 MPG, 12.7 PPG and 7.5 RPG last season, this year should be Hibbert's coming-out party. For 7'2'' Big Roy, the sky is the limit, and the Pacers hope he really reaches high, because their playoff fate will depend on how far Hibbert can carry them.

Granger is a great wing player and scorer, but all teams know that come playoff time, it's all about the big fellas down low. 

Hibbert can really fire up a crowd with his patented monster dunks and his timely blocks, but he also has a tendency to disappear and play soft at times too. 

If Hibbert can channel his inner Patrick Ewing and Alonzo Mourning, and stay more focused and engaged during key stretches of games, the Pacers should be serious contenders in the Eastern Conference.