Indiana Pacers: Way-too-early predictions for Rick Carlisle next season

Rick Carlisle leads the Indiana Pacers to a top-4 finish in the East

Every season, a surprise team emerges and comes out of the woods to tally a great regular season. This year, the league saw teams such as Utah, Phoenix and New York make some big leaps compared to previous campaigns, beating out preseason predictions to hoist themselves as new heavyweights in their conferences.

The Indiana Pacers could just be that next season. With a well-rounded starting lineup and depth at all positions, including a lottery selection in the upcoming NBA Draft, the Blue and Gold will be a force to be reckoned with in the following campaign assuming that health goes their way. Combine that with Rick Carlisle’s great track record in the regular season, and that may be the recipe to brew a surprising force in the East.

We have already seen the Pacers finish as high as fourth in the conference despite being plagued by injuries. With more luck on the health department and some helpful additions via draft, trade market or free agency, Indiana may very well be on track for a top-4 finish in the East just behind the clear contenders in Milwaukee, Brooklyn and Philadelphia.