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2007-2008 Pacers Recap:
Despite Jermaine O’Neal’s struggles last season, the Pacers finished only a game out of the final playoff spot in the East. Forward Danny Granger enjoyed a breakout season with averages of over 19 points and 6 rebounds a game in only his third year in the league. Also, forward Mike Dunleavy Jr., had a career year playing out of position at shooting guard. Indiana’s guards were pitiful last season. Starting point guard Jamaal Tinsley often monopolized the ball on offense and had difficulty making shots and taking care of the ball. Marquis Daniels continued his poor play and has not lived up to his contract during his stay in Indiana. In the frontcourt, Troy Murphy enjoyed a solid season at power forward, shooting 46 percent. Jeff Foster, while a non factor on offense, provided hustle and rebounding.
2008 Offseason:
Larry Bird has completely remade the Pacers roster this past offseason. He traded O’Neal, who has complained in the past about playing for a losing team in Indiana. In return, the Pacers received T.J. Ford, Rasho Nesterovic, and the Raptors first round pick, which the Pacers used to select Georgetown center Roy Hibbert. Bird also banished Tinsley from the team, telling the former starting point guard not to bother showing up for work because the Pacers would rather pay him not to play until they can find a taker in a trade. Larry Legend also dealt power forward Ike Diogu to Portland for point guard Jarrett Jack and forward Shawne Williams to the Dallas Mavericks for veteran guard Eddie Jones who has since retired. The Pacers also brought in rookie guard Brandon Rush via a draft day trade with the Blazers.
Pacers Roster Analysis & Expectations:
At first look, the Pacers roster does not exactly inspire confidence. However, they nearly made the playoffs last year despite receiving only 42 games from Jermaine O’Neal, who only averaged 14 points and 7 rebounds when he actually got on the court. Adding Ford should allow the Pacers to play at a much quicker pace. The former Texas Longhorns standout is one of the fastest players in the NBA and can push the ball at a lightning quick pace. However, like O’Neal, Ford has also had his share of injury problems the past few years and must prove that he will be able to stay off the inactive list. Dunleavy and Granger provide shooting and scoring on the wings. Granger is one of the more underrated players in the league and has yet to reach his full potential. The Pacers lack punch in the frontcourt. Troy Murphy and Jeff Foster are fundamentally sound, but both players will never be confused for All Stars. Murphy’s ability to step out and hit the three helps the Pacers stretch the floor offensively, but the 6’10 forward is a liability at the defensive end. Jeff Foster is a good energy player who gives maximum effort, but has a limited skill set and could see a challenge for his starting spot from Rasho Nesterovic. Nonetheless, Foster is among the league’s best in rebounds per minute.
The Pacers bench is much deeper than last season. Jarrett Jack could start for half the teams in the NBA and will be an effective option at backup point guard. Also, Brandon Rush is NBA ready out of Kansas and should be able to better handle athletic scoring guards that are too quick for Mike Dunleavy. Nesterovic will most likely split time with Foster at center and should serve as a decent backup center. Sadly, he is probably the best shot blocker on the team. The rest of the cupboard is rather bare. Josh McRoberts has yet to prove that he truly belongs in the NBA, and Marquis Daniels play has been poor during his tenure with Indiana.
Indiana should have little trouble scoring with Granger, Ford and Dunleavy on the perimeter. That is, if Dunleavy can replicate his play from last season. On defense, Dunleavy and Murphy are huge liabilities. Also, while Jeff Foster is a solid team defender, he does not have the shot blocking ability that the Pacers will need to protect to the paint. It is here where the Pacers will most miss Jermaine O’Neal. Rookie Roy Hibbert could possibly fill that role in the future, but the 7’2 center lacks athleticism and coordination.
Goals For The 2008/2009 Starting Season:
- Danny Granger named to All Star Team
- Find a trade deal involving Jamaal Tinsley as soon as possible
- Win 40 games, Earn playoff berth
- Attempt to free up cap space for 2009 offseason
Settings:
Season Length: 82 games
Team Chemistry: On
Player Roles: On
Progressive Fatigue: On
Trade Deadline: On
Trade Override: Off
Allow CPU Trades: On
Preseason Games: On
Injuries: On
Fantasy Draft: Off
Edit Prospects: On
Customize League: Off
Playoff Format: 7-7-7-7
Quarter Length: 12 Minutes
Difficulty: Hall Of Fame/Custom Sliders
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