Pacers Roundtable: Eight Thoughts on the Season Ahead
Oct 15, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Mo Williams (52) drives against Indiana Pacers guard George Hill (3) in the first quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
4) Who will lead them on the defensive end?
Siskin: Again, PG. Turner will help out tremendously with his ability to block shots.
Muncy: Watching Myles Turner, I felt the Pacers drafted a mix of Roy Hibbert and Ian Mahinmi. He can shoot, dunk and block everything in his path. Paul George is the best defender, but this team will thrive on Turner’s defense in the paint.
Wilson: The easy answer is Paul George again, but I believe Ian Mahinmi could have a breakout year defensively. Ian is an athletic center and should be able to protect the paint if he can stay out of foul trouble.
Rund: This is a tough one. I’d have to say George Hill. While Paul George has always been a defensive standout on the wing, chances are his +/- and defensive stats won’t show it if he’s guarding 7-footers.
Turpen: Paul George/Ian Mahinmi. When healthy, Paul George is arguably the best 2-way player in the NBA, so I don;t expect to see a decline in George’s defensive skill. Mahinmi really stepped up last year when he had the opportunity to do so, I see him playing even better defensively this year.
McKee: Defensively, Paul George will still control the perimeter and stay the defensive assassin targeting the opponents best players. However, the low-post will be led by the Block Party hosted by rookie Myles Turner, who will turn heads sooner than later and become the starting center in short order for his low-post defense.
Stewart: Paul George and George Hill are the first two names to come to mind, and here’s hoping that Monta Ellis is contributing on that end as well. The big men are looking at a unique season in terms of that they are playing in a completely different set-up on specific occasions. Indiana won’t play ‘small and fast’ for every game this year, but when they do they’ll need the guards to step up in every way.
Next: MVP candidate Paul George?