8 points, 9 seconds
Fansided

5 Under the Radar Keys Entering the Season For the Indiana Pacers

By Jordan Yant

Apr 14, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers guards C.J. Miles (0) and Rodney Stuckey (2) react to the Pacers taking a commanding lead in double overtime against the Washington Wizards at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats Washington 99-95 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 14, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers guards C.J. Miles (0) and Rodney Stuckey (2) react to the Pacers taking a commanding lead in double overtime against the Washington Wizards at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats Washington 99-95 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next

Frank Vogel’s Adaptability

Apr 15, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Indiana Pacers head coach Frank Vogel gestures from the sidelines against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Indiana Pacers head coach Frank Vogel gestures from the sidelines against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

Everyone knows that coaches must adapt to best maximize their team’s potential. That is what Frank Vogel did when he took the reigns of the Indiana Pacers. Seeing the lumbering Roy Hibbert, he turned Indiana into a true defensive juggernaut.

Now with Hibbert gone and a new batch of quicker players, the pressure is on Vogel to show that he can accommodate the rebirth of the Indiana Pacers. Now armed with a speedy talent like Monta Ellis and Paul George returning, the pressure continues to mount on his shoulders.

Everyone respects Gregg Popovich for how he changed his style of play as Duncan aged — that is what the great coaches must do. In an ever-changing NBA, the coaches have to be able to adapt on the fly. If Vogel is unable to do that, then it could lead to trouble for the coach.

Heralded as a defensive maestro, Vogel seems to be set on that side of the ball. Despite numerous injuries last season, the Indiana Pacers were still a top-10 defensive team in the association. The system the Pacers employ will not have to change entirely because the rim protection that has been an anchor for Pacers team’s of the past is still a factor. Ian Mahinmi and rookie Myles Turner offer excellent shot blocking ability and both George Hill and Paul George are fantastic individual defenders.

The question comes on the offensive side of the ball. It has been no secret this has been a struggle the past few seasons. Vogel must find a way to employ a more creative free-flowing offense that allows the team more than just last second jump shots. Now with more offensive talent on the roster, it is gut check time to see if he can adapt his style to a more up-tempo nature. Armed with solid assistant coaches in Popeye Jones, Dan Burke, and Nate McMillan there is a great opportunity to excel this season.

Once a pupil of Rick Pitino, one would think this would not be an issue. Face it, after the disastrous Jim O’Brien era Frank has been a breath of fresh air that the team and the city desperately needed. Let’s hope he continues that trend this season.

Next: Can Rodney Stuckey Repeat?

Home/Pacers News