What would an improvement be this season?

[Gremz]

I think we can all agree that we want a return to the playoffs, and it's very much a possibility. There are however a number of teams who have made moves that will quite possibly improve them.

It's very much possible that barring injury or a collapse for another reason, that CLE, BOS, MIA and ORL are sure bets. That leaves IND, ATL, WAS, PHI, CHI, DET and TOR going for 4 spots. I believe that WAS and PHI will be stronger this year, so there could be a real fight for the remaining spots.

I guess a fair amount will hinder on the health of our team, meaning the return of Dunleavy, the development of our youngsters and the team chemistry that they can produce. So that begs the question, what would YOU see as a step forward this season. If we miss the playoffs is it a failure? If not, what are the specific things you would like to see that would make this campaign a success for us?

[Miller4ever]

Obviously, a better record would mean an improvement, but specifically I'd like to see those tight decisions going the other way. The team already fought really hard last season, so I think it's about execution. Remember, though, that our record was the same for the last two years, but everyone felt better about this most recent year. I think getting to the playoffs would be the most direct sign of improvement.

[Kuq_e_Zi91]

Getting to the playoffs would be an improvement for sure. These young guys like Rush and Hibbert would benefit greatly from the experience. Danny has been there before but not as a number 1 option so that would be new to him too.

However, I realize the playoffs are at best a 50-50 possibility so I think the signs of improvement need to come from Rush and Hibbert. Where this franchise goes in the future is going to be very dependant on how they develop. If they can show that they can take their games to the next level then I won't be that disappointed if we don't make the playoffs. It's a three year plan after all and these are just the development stages, but things would sure look brighter if Rush developed into a solid two way player and Hibbert becomes the post player we desperately need. Combine these things with the steady play by Granger and hopefully a point guard for the future we add down the road and the foundation is there.

This year just needs to be another step in the right direction.

[MillerTime101]

First off, I would consider not making the playoffs a disappointment this year, last year was a development year and we finished 9th so I see anything worse then that and we are not developing as fast as we should be. Im not asking for a top 4 seed but getting over the hump and moving up a spot or two would be a nice sign for us fans.

How is Miami a sure thing? I think we will be better then Miami, that team is one JO knee injury or Dwade leg cramp away from being an average team to a bottom feeder in the east.

I would also drop Philly down too, when your a run and gun team losing your starting pointguard doesnt usually make you better.

On the flip side I would put Toronto in a class ahead of us, they have depth at every position and potentially one of the best starting 5's in the East.

I think we will battle it out with the same teams as last year, Detroit and Chicago should be our main competition for the 8th spot although im not counting out the Wizards either. I think we will have to finish ahead of 2 of those 3 to make the postseason, which I think is very possible.

[fienX420]

Not making the playoffs would be a failure. And there will be hell to pay.

[Wizop]

I'll grade it on record rather than position. if we win 40 games or more, I'll be very happy even if that doesn't get us into the top eight. I'd be really, really, happy if we could play 500 ball on the road but I don't think we'll be that good.

[8305]

Not making the playoffs would be a failure. And there will be hell to pay.

Pretty much agree with this assessment.

Assuming there aren't a bunch of injuries that can be blamed if this team does not make the playoffs it will be interesting to see what ownership does. Almost too many possibilities to list.

[MillerTime101]

Even if we have a ton of injuries, I still want to see this team in the playoffs, no excuses.

[Gremz]

I'll grade it on record rather than position. if we win 40 games or more, I'll be very happy even if that doesn't get us into the top eight. I'd be really, really, happy if we could play 500 ball on the road but I don't think we'll be that good.

I'm pretty much in the same boat. The East is looking a lot more competitive this year, and while there is an outside chance for the playoffs, I'd just like an improvement on last year's record.

[mizzoupacers]

I'd like to see the Pacers make the playoffs. Or even just have a better record than last year. But to me, the key improvement I'd like to see is solid progress from the young guys. Granger has already proved himself, but I'd like to see sure signs that Rush, Hibbert, and Hansbrough are also guys that can be built around. If they have good seasons, then I'll know the Pacers are on the right track regardless of the final record or whether they make it to the postseason.

[Charcoal Filtered]

We gave up 106 points a game last season. I would be happy if we could get that number under 100.

I would also like to see Rush and Hibbert contribute.

Not hinging success on whether we make the playoffs though.

According to Vegas, Cleveland, Orlando, Boston, and Miami have atleast twice better odds.

Atlanta, Chicago, Washington, and Toronto all have better odds.

Philadelphia has the same chances and I would not count out Charlotte with Larry Brown in his second year. Think Philly is going to be worse this year though.

[Reginald Wayne]

Although I would love to see the Pacers in the playoffs this year, what I really want to see is Rush and Hibbert to flourish. I want to see a Pacer team this year that will make me think "we might compete for a title in a few years." 40 wins would be nice.

[spudmonkey31]

As long as we dont finish 9th or 10th im happy. If we dont make the 8 in the east we may as well go 22-60. A number 1 draft pick is an improvement as far as im concerned. Dont get me wrong i hope we do make it but im sick of missing playoffs and still only getting mediocre draft picks

[DC2]

I believe that WAS and PHI will be stronger this year, so there could be a real fight for the remaining spots.

Neither of those teams will be better. Philly lost their only legit point guard and has yet to replace him, and Washington has horrible team chemistry. Sure, getting Arenas back is good and all but just getting him back is not going to catapult them into being a playoff team. Randy Foye isn't such a great fit there either and he probably won't improve them much.

[jowglenn]

Granger, Murphy, and Ford all go down with freak injuries that put them out for the season, but in no way affect their long-term abilities to play.

Team of Watson/Rush/Dunleavy/Hansbrough/Hibbert gets slaughtered everywhere, but plays with heart and really develops the young guys.

#1 pick in 2010 draft, Pacers select John Wall.

2012 Pacers win championship.

[DougInOz]

2012 Pacers win championship.

Last bit is really the only bit I want to see, well, and John Wall, obviously.

[Gremz]

2012 would be a deep stretch. I do hope that by 2014 we are in major contention though.

[DaRealHibachi]

I believe that WAS and PHI will be stronger this year, so there could be a real fight for the remaining spots.

Neither of those teams will be better. Philly lost their only legit point guard and has yet to replace him, and Washington has horrible team chemistry. Sure, getting Arenas back is good and all but just getting him back is not going to catapult them into being a playoff team. Randy Foye isn't such a great fit there either and he probably won't improve them much.

Horrible team chemistry...??? Based on what...???

Adding Arenas to a team will not make you a better team...??? Ok....

With or without Arenas, we are a playoff team, last year being an exception, not the rule, as we made the playoffs pretty much since he got here (not including his first year though)... With Arenas we were a top seed in the East, first if I remember correctly...

Foye is here to handle backup PG duties (we never really had an adequate backup PG, and Foye is more than adequate) and spot minutes at SG, which is much less than he had to do in Minny, so saying that he isn't a great fit for us is flat out wrong... Any ball handling addition at PG and SG is an improvement for us... Last year we probably had the worst backcourt numbers in the league...

You also forget to mention Miller, who brings us his 40% career 3pt shooting we've been missing... (29th at .330 last year)

The biggest addition to us is the change from Eddie Jordan to Flip Saunders... Which brings me to the only point of your post I agree with; Philly hasn't gotten any better... Jordan is the new coach in Philly, so they'll probably yield the highest opp 3ptFG% like we did these last years, have a worthless defense scheme (protect the paint), rewarding effort instead of production, questionable subs and lineups, and my personal favorite; Small-ball... Good luck Philly...

Anyway since Granger is my favorite non Wizard player, seeing him working on his defense this summer, counting in the addition of Hansbrough and improvement of Hibbert and Rush, I think you guys might surprise some teams... Pacers will definitely make the playoffs this year...

[Canomad]

if hibbert plays better and turns into a legit center and hansbrough contributes i think you guys can improve a little bit.

[PR07]

Playoffs.