Can somebody explain to me why the Pacers aren't elite

[Mr Exlax]

On paper they should be unstoppable right? I just really thought they were gonna do big things last season. Almost elite. Somebody break it down for me. I don't understand what's holding them back. They have good players 1-5, but I don't know who they're 6th man is this coming season. I will admit that I haven't seen them play a ton other than in the playoffs against Miami. None of their games are televised. They were my dark horse team. After Bosh went down I honestly expected them to beat Miami.

Found it!

[Pointguard]

On paper they should be unstoppable right? I just really thought they were gonna do big things last season. Almost elite. Somebody break it down for me. I don't understand what's holding them back. They have good players 1-5, but I don't know who they're 6th man is this coming season. I will admit that I haven't seen them play other than in the playoffs against Miami. None of their games are televised. They were my dark horse team. After Bosh went down I honestly expected them to beat Miami.

The played Chicago great the year before but misplayed Miami last year. They thought they could get extra tough with the Heat, having total forgot who Pat Riley was. They were ahead in the series but were surprised when their get tough tactic back fired. They just played their lead the wrong way - otherwise its a 7 game series and they are getting their respect.

[Clippersfan86]

The played Chicago great the year before but misplayed Miami last year. They thought they could get extra tough with the Heat, having total forgot who Pat Riley was. They were ahead in the series but were surprised when their get tough tactic back fired. They just played their lead the wrong way - otherwise its a 7 game series and they are getting their respect.

Same thing happened with Memphis and Clippers too.

[b1imtf]

No superstar

[Mr Exlax]

No superstar

But Grainger and Hibbert have damn near superstar talent.

[b1imtf]

But Grainger and Hibbert have damn near superstar talent.

But they aren't at the level of the real superstars

[TheNaturalWR]

No superstar

This. No superstar? You're not contending.

[BoutPractice]

The Pistons were contenders for a long time without a true superstar.
In an era of super teams, though, it's definitely more difficult to get it done that way.

[JohnnySic]

They weren't ready for the big time last year. They had a big size advantage on the Heat and could not exploit it. This year, we'll see.

[StateOfMind12]

No superstar and one of the worst coaches in the league.

[Rubio2Gasol]

Granger has near superstar level talent ?



decent scorer off the bench on a championship team.

Melo could probably put them into contention.

[Mr Exlax]

Granger has near superstar level talent ?



decent scorer off the bench on a championship team.

In my eyes he does. He's severly underrated to me. He only struggles against Lebron really.

[PacerRaptor]

Pacers are a young team, but they do lack that superstar presence. With the exception of the Pistons, not many teams have gone far without a superstar.

Hopefully Paul George can pan out to our expectations. Also, if Eric Gordon can stay healthy, I would love to package Granger + others/picks for him

[Freedom Kid7]

Lack of a superstar with leadership skills. Hibbert may be a star, but he is not a superstar

[Mr Exlax]

Pacers are a young team, but they do lack that superstar presence. With the exception of the Pistons, not many teams have gone far without a superstar.

Hopefully Paul George can pan out to our expectations. Also, if Eric Gordon can stay healthy, I would love to package Granger + others/picks for him

Maybe that's what it is. I mean I know they're lacking a superstar, but the talent level is there. I just forget how young that team really is.