Indiana Pacers Complete Successful Offseason

I believe we can close the book on this offseason, and now start building up towards the preseason with the signing of Paul George to a long term deal that will keep him in Indy for the years to come. It wasn’t surprising that the Pacers made this move, beyond the sense that they could have waited till next summer, and signed George. But now, that leaves it all in the past, and the Pacers can move forward knowing George is here. I think fans will rest easy with that, and now the team knows what a great piece is here to continue what good things the Pacers are doing.

Looking over this offseason to get deals that brought in Chris Copeland, C.J. Watson, Luis Scola really make me believe this team wants to get that bench improved or at least better than what it was.  Which is an improvement.  Then the draft pick of Solomon Hill provides some sort of future behind Paul George, and probably closes the book on Danny Granger after this coming season.  He seems to be that right build of a player in his ability the Pacers want in a back up forward, and he should get some time to show that this season.

The deal for Scola was good in that it got rid of Gerald Green, a guy that definitely underperformed.  Or maybe he wasn’t that good to begin with.  He showed flashes of promise, but definitely underwhelmed with his overall ability in the game.  Also, to Phoenix goes Miles Plumlee, a draft pick that left all the fans scratching their head.  There was a huge exhale of breath when his brother was drafted RIGHT BEFORE the Pacers pick of this past year, so you can only imagine the talk radio if the Pacers were to draft TWO Plumlees. Luis Scola is a guy that was a starter in Phoenix, so hopefully he can easily adjust to a bench role, and stay that consistent player he showed.

Chris Copeland is a sharp shooter that the Pacers were seeking.  He ALMOST didn’t want to come to Indy, but hey if you can’t beat them join them. Maybe that’s not his thinking, but I believe he saw what kind of team the Pacers have here, and had to realize that he could be a great role player for us.  C.J. Watson is probably a minor upgrade over D.J. Augustin, but I will have to see what he provides to make a better call on that.

That final piece of Paul George is the one that gets me most excited for the season. Like I said before, I didn’t think the Pacers would let him get away anyways. But it’s a much better feeling that he’s signed and ready to go for the upcoming future.  Now we’ll see how he performs when you know expectations are going to be high for him. Look for that article to come in the next day or so. But right now, it’s a fine time to say kudos Pacers’ front office for the moves, and let’s get the season going.