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Ranking the best potential defensive teams in the Eastern Conference

By Spencer R. Henderson

Feb 23, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Ish Smith (1) dribbles against the defense of Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Orlando Magic won 124-115. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Ish Smith (1) dribbles against the defense of Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Orlando Magic won 124-115. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tobias Harris, Orlando Magic, Paul George, Indiana Pacers
Jan 6, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) defends Orlando Magic forward Tobias Harris (12) during the second half at Amway Center. Indiana defeated Orlando 95-86. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Indiana Pacers

The Indiana Pacers let their defensive-minded head coach in Frank Vogel walk in free agency to the Orlando Magic and replaced him with Nate McMillan.

This offseason, the organization continued to build around their star small forward Paul George by adding veteran point guard Jeff Teague and center Al Jefferson.

Teague gives the Pacers a different look defensively but he might be slightly a better defender than George Hill. The offense should begin to take off and reach its potential in the Paul George era. This could be one of the best offensive years for the small forward coming off of a season where he averaged more than 22 points per game.

Jefferson gives the Pacers an unique and different look on offense as he can still be an effective post up player on either block. Although Jefferson may not command a double team at this point in his career, he may still be able to give you solid minutes on the defensive end as well.

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Although the Pacers will not have Frank Vogel pacing up and down the sidelines anymore, they still have one of the best defensive small forwards in the league in George. They also look forward for second year defensive minded forward Myles Turner to take another step defensively.

Do not expect the Pacers to fall off the cliff defensively with Turner in the paint and George on the perimeter. Although they make take a short dip in defensive production without Vogel calling the shots. The coach needs players to implement their style just like the players need the coach to give them the opportunity to flourish.

The Pacers are similar to the Magic defensively. You can compare the skill sets of the two rim protectors in Bismack Biyombo and sophomore Myles Turner. They both are young, athletic big men full of potential with plenty of room to grow.

The Magic and Pacers are similar at the small forward position defensively, although Paul George is a much more polished defender than Aaron Gordon at this point in his career. Gordon, though, may be better on the defensive glass.

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