Orlando Magic Daily
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The Eastern Conference is a mess (it’s not just the Orlando Magic)

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Feb 26, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Langston Galloway (2) drives to the basket past Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the Magic 108-95. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Langston Galloway (2) drives to the basket past Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the Magic 108-95. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers
Mar 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) grabs a rebound against the New Orleans Pelicans at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeated New Orleans 92-84. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Indiana Pacers

What identity are you trying to build?

The Indiana Pacers also should receive the benefit of the doubt when it comes to their Playoff bid and could be a team to challenge to do more this upcoming season.

One reason is quite simply: Paul George.

A superstar like George changes the game for almost any team. He makes teams pay attention to them.

The Pacers though made a major change to their roster nonetheless. This is not adding veterans like Jeff Teague or Thaddeus Young to the team. This was changing coaches, letting Frank Vogel walk to the Magic and promoting Nate McMillan to the lead chair.

Larry Bird said it was time for a new voice for the Pacers. But he did all this after a season saying he wanted the Pacers to run the ball more. Jeff Teague should help push the pace, but Young is not exactly fleet of foot. And McMillan’s teams have never been particularly fast in terms of pace — although years on Team USA’s staff along with Vogel’s staff may have changed that philosophy.

The Pacers should be a good team once again, but they are seeking an identity that goes beyond George. They need Myles Turner to take another step in growth from his rookie year to be really good. And that defensive backstop from Vogel is gone now too.

Next: Sink or Soar