8 points, 9 seconds
Fansided

8p9s Roundtable: Will the Pacers Make the Playoffs?

By Jared Wade

Mar 29, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers guard George Hill (3) reacts during the national Anthem before the start of their game against the Dallas Mavericks at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 29, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers guard George Hill (3) reacts during the national Anthem before the start of their game against the Dallas Mavericks at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next

True or False: Paul George will play this season?

Ochoa: We will not see Paul George this season. I think it would be useful to get him in some games, but I think the Pacers are playing it safe this season. I just want Paul George to come back next season 100% and ready to dominate. Whatever the Pacers feel is necessary to make that happen, I’m on board with that.

Donahue: Let’s make it 5-for-5: False. In being around Frank Vogel pre- and post-game over the last month or so, I have seen zero indication that the coach thought Paul George was ready to play. That’s largely guessing on my part, but I just don’t see it. There are nine games left, and the Pacers are focused on making the playoffs. They won’t play him, just to knock some rust off. Vogel will have to believe that Paul will be at least somewhat productive, and I don’t think he believes that — yet.

Furr: True. I think PG plays about 4 games this regular season, probably no more than 70-80 minutes total. I think he’ll hit some 3s, get burned on D several times, and the first building he dunks in will explode with pure NBA joy

Gibson: True. On Friday, against Charlotte. He’ll dunk on Lance Stephenson, too.

Washburn: True — but only if the Indiana Pacers make the playoffs. I just don’t think the team feels he can truly contribute yet, but this may change by the end of April. I don’t see Vogel bringing him in with five games to play while the Pacers fight for a playoff spot. But if the Pacers are down 0-2 to Atlanta in round one coming home? Paul George’s return could be a huge emotional lift for the franchise, similar to Reggie Miller coming back from an eye injury and running around in glasses against the Hawks in the 1997.

Next: How Drazen Petrovic Shut Down Reggie Miller

More from 8 Points, 9 Seconds

Home/Pacers News