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5 Reasons The Indiana Pacers Should Not Panic Despite Slow Start

By Evan Massey
Published on: 05:41 PST, Nov 6, 2016

The Indiana Pacers came into the 2016-17 NBA season with high expectations after having a huge offseason. They are expected to compete for the No. 2 overall seed in the Eastern Conference, although some fans and media members have already started to count them out after a slow start to the season.

While the slow start is disappointing, there is no reason to be jumping off the Pacers’ bandwagon this early in the season.

Paul George is one of the biggest stars in the NBA and said that he hoped to compete for the MVP award this season. Myles Turner is one of the league’s best up-and-coming players and has superstar potential. Larry Bird went out and acquired Jeff Teague from the Atlanta Hawks, while Monta Ellis and Thaddeus Young are glue guys that every team needs to have on their roster.

Needless to say, it will be interesting to see how the Pacers look at the end of the regular season. There is a chance that the disappointing start will continue, but there is just as good of a chance that the Pacers will snap out of it and play up to the potential that many saw in them before the start of the season.

All of that being said, what five reasons can be given to prove that the Indiana Pacers and their fans should not panic despite their slow start?

Roster Overhaul Needs Time to Find Chemistry

Indiana went out this offseason and brought in a lot of new players. They acquired Jeff Teague and Thaddeus Young and also added Al Jefferson and Aaron Brooks as key pieces to their bench. A roster overhaul always means that time is needed for the players to find chemistry, which is what the Pacers are going through early this year.

New Head Coach Means Learning a New System

Just like the first reason, a new coach isn’t going to be able to insert a new system without growing pains. Nate McMillan has completely changed the Pacers’ offense, and their defense has made some changes as well. As the season moves forward, the players will begin looking much more comfortable in the new system.

Paul George Is Still a Legitimate Superstar

There is no question that the Pacers need their superstar to begin taking control of the team. Paul George is still one of the best players in the NBA, and that will show more and more as the season moves along. He is still learning how to play with his new teammates, but once he finds the rhythm, it will be dangerous for opposing defenses.

Myles Turner’s Continued Growth

So far this season, second-year big man Myles Turner has averaged 17.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game. He is developing into a star with each and every game, and that will not stop moving forward. Turner’s continued development will be obvious throughout the rest of the season, and his numbers will only continue to improve.

The Eastern Conference Is Still Weak

While the Eastern Conference may look stronger early this season, it isn’t. Quite simply, the conference is still weak. Indiana will rise in the standings as teams begin to fall off and they will finish in the top half of the playoff standings.

Expect to see the Pacers continue to improve as a team over the next few weeks. As they begin to figure out how to play with each other, they are going to become a force to be reckoned with in the East.

Do you think the Indiana Pacers will finish as a top-three team in the Eastern Conference? What do you think their final regular season record will end up being? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below!

[Featured Image by Darron Cummings/AP Images]

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