Last season, the Indiana Pacers had arguably the best offense in the NBA. Their 123.3 points per game ranked second-best in the league, and their 121 ORTG ranked second-best in league history (only last season's Boston Celtics championship team (123.2 ORTG) ranked better). And this summer, the Pacers did exactly what they needed to do to ensure another top offensive season.
This offseason, the Pacers re-signed star Pascal Siakam and forward Obi Toppin, who is coming off the best offensive season of his career. Furthermore, they drafted wing Johnny Furphy in the second round of the draft, and he is a candidate to crack the rotation and make an immediate impact on the team.
Indiana's offense is what makes them one of the best teams in the NBA. Although many believe they are not a serious title contender, they have one of the best offensive teams in history and are fresh off an Eastern Conference Finals appearance.
Even though many NBA fans are still overlooking the Pacers, their elite offense is undeniable. And according to Bleacher Report's Greg Swartz, they should finish as a top-three offensive team next season as well.
The Indiana Pacers are predicted to have a top-three offense again in 2024-25
In a recent article for Bleacher Report, Swartz predicted who he believed the top-five offenses in the NBA will be next season. Swartz ranked the Pacers at No. 3, behind the Celtics and Oklahoma City Thunder. Additionally, Swartz ranked the Phoenix Suns and Philadelphia 76ers directly below the Pacers.
Swartz mentioned the Pacers' unselfishness, led by All-NBA guard Tyrese Haliburton as the reason for their elite offense.
"Indiana ranked No. 1 overall in made passes (308.3), assists per game (30.8), and points created off assists (78.1) as well as No. 4 in potential assists (49.6) and No. 5 in secondary assists (4.3)," Swartz said.
Additionally, Swartz believes that T.J. McConnell is arguably the best point guard in the league, which helps the team maintain its offensive playstyle even when Haliburton or breakout star Andrew Nembhard are on the bench.
The Pacers also have center Myles Turner, who is one of the top offensive big men in the NBA. He is a great three-point shooter and has become more efficient as his career has progressed.
While there are major flaws on Indiana's roster, it is clear their offense is not one of them. If the Pacers make another deep playoff run, it is likely their offense that will put them above the rest of the NBA.