A look at the Central Division: Part two

Last week we took a look at the new and improved Central Division. With Detroit up against the champion Cleveland Cavaliers, a rejuvenated Chicago Bulls side and the talented young Milwaukee Bucks it’s their long time rivals who could cause more problems than some may think. Let’s take a look at the Indiana Pacers.

The last five years have been a wild ride for the Indiana Pacers. It’s not so long ago they were the number one seed in the eastern conference. Following the losses of a number of key players came the horrific Paul George injury that changed the landscape of the conference. A valiant effort by the remaining Pacers had them finish ninth, one spot place shy of the playoffs.

This past season with the return of Paul George, the Pacers stormed back into the playoffs to make the seventh seed, edging the Detroit Pistons. George also managed to ruffle a few feathers during the regular season, coming toe to toe with the Pistons’ Marcus Morris.

Paul George joined a long list of Pacers to get on the nerves of the Detroit Pistons. The list led by the likes of Reggie Miller and Ron Artest (now Metta World Peace). While Miller was more of an enemy on the court with his game and trash talk, I’m sure every Piston fan, or even basketball fan can remember how Ron Artest ignited the feud between the two franchises.

This past postseason, the Pacers exceeded all expectations taking the second-seed Toronto Raptors to seven games in a highly competitive series. Early signs that this team could be a force to be reckoned with just as they were a couple of short years ago.

Indiana has been busy this offseason. Not only through free agency, but utilizing trades to strengthen their already talented team. Let’s take a closer look at how the Pacers squad will look coming into next season and how the Pistons can handle them.

Next: Indiana Pacers