Under the radar--Indiana

[logic]

With the Warriors and 76ers perfect seasons continuing a lot of things are going unnoticed in the NBA.

Take the Indiana Pacers, for example. Many people wrote them off after a horrific 0-3 start. They just looked like they didn't work on that first week, and being in a small market with an emerging star coming off an injury people just don't check in very often.
Since the bad start they have gone 9-2 with their only losses being on the road to the Cavs and Bulls. They have snuck up the standings in an improved East without anyone noticing. This was a team that was in contention in the East before George went down. Well, now he's back and while everyone in looking elsewhere Indiana is playing some good basketball and is not a team to take too lightly.

 

[bksballer89]

I noticed

 

[bksballer89]

I wonder if @HurricaneDij39 still want Vogel gone?

 

[logic]

I noticed

Only because they are creaping up on the Heat. Oh, and they beat them. Same reason I noticed; they killed the Pistons win streak.

 

[bksballer89]

Only because they are creaping up on the Heat. Oh, and they beat them. Same reason I noticed; they killed the Pistons win streak.

I actually haven't looked at the standings

 

[logic]

I actually haven't looked at the standings

Oh, well your Heat are doing well, FYI.

 

[bksballer89]

Oh, well your Heat are doing well, FYI.

Yeah weak schedule though. Got to take advantage of these first 2 months because that schedule in January and February is such a bitch for us.

 

[tsubibo]

Kinda shows that Hibbert was a very over rated big man.

 

[lakersrule]

Kinda shows that Hibbert was a very over rated big man.

Or maybe not having their best player all last season.

 

[tducey]

I've noticed, they're playing some good basketball this year, let's see if they keep it up.

 

[Hornsstampede2.0]

getting back their superstar player and face of the franchise HELPED THEM????

that is crazy talk.

Who would have guessed that might happen.

 

[HurricaneDij39]

I wonder if @HurricaneDij39 still want Vogel gone?

This season has been strictly Paul George playing out of his mind, and his presence alone should get us to the Playoffs. C.J. Miles is playing better than expected as well, but George's supporting cast still needs some retooling. While still an effective playmaker, Dr. Age is starting to settle in on Monta Ellis now that he's on the wrong side of 30. Vogel is still a mediocre coach, but he's buying himself more time with the team's latest hot stretch...

 

[Beengay fudgepackers]

Paul George looks better than before, but I need to see some serious growth from their 4s and 5s before I consider them a contender. Maybe Miles Turner can pan out. If they can find someone to lock down the post play, I think they could bring home a title. Ellis also doesn't look like he has much left in the tank.

 

[Clayton]

Paul George looks better than before, but I need to see some serious growth from their 4s and 5s before I consider them a contender.

Pretty much how I see them. Lights out perimeter team with a superstar but they need some play down low to deal with Cleveland in the East who last playoffs pretty much specialized in locking down the perimeter.

 

[Lions=TeHsUcKs]

The thing is Paul George is actually better than before and it seems like that horrific injury never affected him. You still have a solid cast around him and Ellis is starting to fit in nicely.

 

[WiggyRuss]

I think I feel pretty comfortable saying that Paul George is all the way back- and is probably....PROBABLY...the 2nd best player in the Eastern Conference.

The Pacers just have a good organization- I think Vogel is a very solid coach. Its a team that plays hard, has some decent weapons- and of course has a legitimate NBA Superstar in his prime- which is the most important thing in the NBA- and also the hardest to get.