Pre-Season NBA Power Rankings

13. team. 100. <p>The Indiana Pacers run a version of small ball, a fact emphasized in the presence of just one center on the roster, Al Jefferson, a player who made just 47 appearances last season.</p> <p>But the team is doubling down to improve their post season performance by trading point guard George Hill and their first round pick (20th overall) to land point guard Jeff Teague and power forward Thaddeus Young respectively.</p> <p>The challenge with this Pacers team is the ball movement.  By converting Hill for Teague, the team hopes to improve on that statistic.</p> <p>The Pacers are running tomorrow’s checks to pay for today’s enhancements.  Will Thad Young deliver on this roster? Will Teague bring more ball movement to the team’s offense.  I don’t see much change.</p> <p>The Pacers will end at nearly the identical spot as last year.  Perhaps their new lineup will work in their favor in the playoffs.</p> <p><strong>Key Losses:</strong> Ian Mahinmi, Jordan Hill, George Hill,<br /> <strong>Key Gains:</strong> Al Jefferson, Aaron Brooks, Jeff Teague, Thaddeus Young<br /> <strong>Key Statistic</strong>: Assists<br /> <strong>NBA Power Rankings:</strong> 13th</p>. (42-40). Previous: . Indiana Pacers