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A look at the Central Division: Part two

By Lennie King

Apr 24, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; (right to left) Detroit Pistons forward Stanley Johnson (3) forward Tobias Harris (34) and guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) discuss a play during the third quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Cavs win 100-98. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 24, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; (right to left) Detroit Pistons forward Stanley Johnson (3) forward Tobias Harris (34) and guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) discuss a play during the third quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Cavs win 100-98. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 16, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers new head coach Nate McMillan speaks to the press during a press conference at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
May 16, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers new head coach Nate McMillan speaks to the press during a press conference at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

One major change on the Pacers part is that they’ll be coming into next season with a new coach. Larry Bird elected not to renew Frank Vogel’s contract, even though coach Vogel got Indiana back to the playoffs and seemed to have a good relationship with the personnel. Bird deciding the locker room needed a new voice.

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Former Portland Trailblazers head coach and then-Indiana Pacers assistant coach Nate McMillan was named as Frank Vogel’s replacement. Though McMillan has experience and has proven he can succeed in the NBA, it is worth adding he’s only made it out of the first round of the playoffs once. However, with all of the new additions they’ve made, he could soon be making a real charge in the postseason.

After sending Roy Hibbert away to Los Angeles, Ian Mahimi took over the starting center role and took full advantage of it. With career highs in all major statistical categories Mahimi averaged 9.3 points and 7.1 rebounds in 25.6 minutes a game, proving he can be more than a back up.

That said, Mahimi signed with the Washington Wizards this offseason on a four-year $64 million dollar deal to presumably be back up for Marcin Gortat.

This leaves the Pacers to decide who will again take over the center position. With Jordan Hill headed to the Minnesota Timberwolves the only viable option would be second-year big man Myles Turner who impressed last season. Even with the addition of Al Jefferson it’s hard to see him in the starting lineup when it’s well documented the Pacers are looking for a faster pace. This is a key position the Pistons could exploit when coming up against their division rivals.

Jordan Hill isn’t the only Hill departing the Indiana Pacers. Solomon Hill signed a ludicrous four-year $52 million dollar deal with the overpaying New Orleans Pelicans and starting point guard George Hill will be in Utah next season thanks to a three team trade that brings Jeff Teague home to Indiana.

Next: Improvements

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