The Indiana Pacers: 2007 - 2008 NBA Season Preview

Last season was disappointing for the Indiana Pacers. They finished 35-47, in fourth place in the Central Division. Ninth in the Eastern Conference, tied with the Philadelphia 76ers, five games behind the 8th seed and playoff birth which went to the Orlando Magic.

The Indiana Pacers made a coaching change. For the 2007-8 season the Pacers will be coached by Jim O'Brien. Jim has coached the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers. He has a career record of 182 wins and 158 losses. According to NBA.com "Jim O'Brien has 30 years of coaching experience at the collegiate and professional level." He has coached 31 NBA playoff games and the playoffs are where the Pacers want to be.

The Pacers had dealt away their first round pick to the Atlanta Hawks. With more wheeling and dealing the Pacers were without a draft pick in the second round. They did acquire Stanco Barac, the 7'1 Bosnian Center, from the Miami Heat. Barac was the 9th pick of the second round. According to ESPN the deal will cost the Pacers their 2009 second round pick.

Troy Murphy, who averaged 11.1 points per game (PPG) and 6.1 rebounds per game (RPG) with Toronto last season, looks to be the starting center. 6'11 center Jeff Foster (4.3 PPG and 8.1 RPG) looks to be the back up. Both play forward as well which could open up playing time for rookies Stanco Barac or Courtney Sims, an undrafted free agent out of Michigan.

Jermaine O'Neal, the team's leader in points and rebounds (19.4 PPG and 9.6 RPG), looks to start at forward. However, he could see time at center as well. Mike Dunleavy (14.0 PPG and 5.7 RPG for Toronto last year) appears to be the other starting forward for the Pacers. Dunleavy could also see playing time at the guard position. Another former Raptor who could see playing time at forward, is Ike Diogu (5.8 PPG 3.3 RPG). The team's 2006 first round pick, Shawne Williams should also see some playing time.

Jamaal Tinsley (12.8 PPG and 6.9 assists per game APG) appears to be Indiana's starting point guard. Danny Granger (13.9 PPG) may rotate between forward and guard with Dunleavy. Marquis Daniels (7.1 PPG) will get some playing time for the Indiana Pacers.