Indiana Pacers Player Rankings
Usually, sites throw together a full list of NBA Player Rankings, but I wanted to look right here at home, and put the best 10 players for the Indiana Pacers. There might be a few surprises in where guys are placed as it was a tough choice at times where to place someone. I think you can look at a few spots and swap them for each other, and you would still have a good list. I think after Orlando Johnson, the players left can be place in any order, but didn’t feel they would quite make my top ten list. What would your ranking look like?
1. Paul George
No doubt, George is the best player on the Pacers’ roster and he’s only going to get better, so he’ll be in this top spot for the future. I like the way that George stepped up last season, and look forward to see where he will improve in the upcoming season. If he can lower the bad turnovers, and continue to score at his impressive rate, there’s little doubt, he’ll be in the top player category of NBA players soon enough.
2. Roy Hibbert
Roy Hibbert is in the top centers of the NBA, so he earns my number two spot on the Pacers’ roster. If he can play like he did for the second half of last season and throughout the playoffs for this next season, he’ll be an All Star with Paul George come that time. I think even more, Hibbert will creep into that top spot of centers as he plays the position like old school centers. He’s a force down low, can rebound, can block shots, but just needs to develop some go to shot. If he can do that, then he’s right there ready to show that centers are still important in the NBA.
3. David West
David West does all that dirty work that you can a player to do. Make a basket, get a rebound, play solid defense, be that leader, and all the other things that don’t show up in stat sheets is what makes West the perfect guy for the Pacers. I think he came to the Pacers at the best moment three summers ago, when they had a chance to make a big free agent splash. He’s here for the next three years, and I wouldn’t mind seeing him a few more after that if he can do it. West will be that type of guy that fans here in town just love to root for. I hope he can help the team reach that NBA Finals realm soon.
4. Lance Stephenson
This one is a ranking based on potential. I think Stephenson has all those tools in place. He can score, he can pass, and he can defend. What more could you ask for in a guard position? It’s been a long while since we’ve had someone like this at the shooting guard position. But I think what I like most about Stephenson is that extra bit of energy he brings to the team. He likes to get under the skin of opposing players, but he can also take the ball from one end of the floor to the other. That’s something the Pacers haven’t seen maybe in all the time I’ve been watching them. He’s got that extra boost that can really propel the team. Therefore, Stephenson is high on my list.
5. Danny Granger
I think many people don’t realize how good of an all around game Granger has, therefore, I put him in the top five of this list. I could probably swap George Hill and him, but I do think Granger’s game is just a little better than Hill. Granger can still do good work for this team, and I do expect that this coming season. Still no word on whether he starts or not, but no matter what I think Granger is going to do what he can for the team.
6. George Hill
I’d put Hill in the David West category as someone who does all he can to help the Pacers. He’s a guy out on the floor that can really lead them. He’s not always a vocal guy, but you know that the team is following his lead. My only request for him is that he could be more aggressive at times. You can just tell when he’s going to get it going and that’s a great thing for this Pacers team as they’ve not had that in the point guard position in a while.
7. Chris Copeland
Most of these last few choices are based upon potential. I like hearing that Copeland is working on his game all this summer, and that should pay off come regular season. I don’t know how much time he’ll get out on the floor, but I do think he’ll make an impact when he gets to play. You could just see that against the Pacers in that playoff series with the New York Knicks.
8. Gerald Green
I’ve spoke pretty bad about Green, and it’s a wonder I put him here, but when you look at the roster, and you look at actual ability, Green is up there. He’s got the athletic talent to get this team going at times. He was able to get some scoring bursts as well. It’s all about that consistency, and if he can somehow get that going this coming season, he’ll make a difference for the Pacers.
9. Ian Mahinmi
I thought Mahinmi made some difference out there at times, but like Green above, he’s got to be consistent. He’ll have to come in and fill in for Roy Hibbert enough that it would be nice to count on him for some points and rebounds each minute he plays. It doesn’t need to be double figures, but a good 6 points and 3 rebounds a game would be perfect I feel like for the team.
10. Orlando Johnson
I like Orlando Johnson a lot, and feel like that he could be a great bench player for the Pacers. He’s got to work on his all around game, but there’s no doubt he can shot, and that’s something the Pacers will look for this coming season.