The Indiana Pacers bowed-off Play-off Contention last season after being in the postseason for a long time. They added Golden State cagers Ike Diogu, Mike Dunleavy Jr and Troy Murphy in the middle of last season. They appeared to be bright components for the future, and they are.
Currently, they are doing so well in the pre-season. They are 4-0, and Diogu, Dunleavy Jr and Murphy have had double-scoring games. The factors that has contributed to this success are the hiring of new coach Jim O’Brien and the additions of former Laker Kareem Rush and former Magic Travis Diener.
The philosophy of O’Brien is an uptempo type of game. He wants franchise player Jermaine O’Neal to draw the defense, and pass the ball to the shooters. And they have a lot of players who can burn the rim from the outside. Both additions Diener and Rush are excellent three-point bombers. While big men Murphy and Dunleavy Jr can hit from rainbow territory as well.
There is a lot of excitement from the Pacers camp this season. And their new-found games and philosophies may be the gateway back to the postseason wars. At least now, a first-round appearance is highly probable.