Orlando Magic Daily
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2015-16 Central Division Preview

By Brett David Roberts

Feb 8, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates on the court in the second quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 8, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates on the court in the second quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Paul George, Indiana Pacers
May 28, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (24) reacts after game five against the Miami Heat of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats Miami 93-90. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Indiana Pacers

2015: 38-44
Predicted 2015-16: 36-46

The Indiana Pacers did not really improve during the offseason.

Indiana lost Roy Hibbert, but it did gain Paul George back into the fold. Can George step back up to where he left off after his horrific leg injury in his first full season?

It is anyone’s guess, but he will be doing it as a power forward if he does. Larry Bird announced he wanted George to try some from the 4-spot, and though George contested it, he ultimately will be the Pacers 4-man, given the departure of stalwart David West.

The Pacers lack premier talent of any consequence. Ian Mahinmi is a good defender but certainly no post threat like the departed Roy Hibbert, who had begun to badly underachive.

At guard there are still more questions.

George Hill is a good scoring guard, but not a premier playmaker. C.J. Miles is a one-trick pony. Monta Ellis is a great scoring combo guard, but that combined with George does not a team make.

It is tough to see this team even winning as many games as last year — yes, even with George in the fold. Picking a team’s sudden demise always comes at the cost of upsetting a legion of readers, but the Pacers will find itself in the draft lottery in the 2016 reiteration.

Next: Stan Van Gundy's revival