Pacers preseason observations

The Pacers wrapped up their shortened preseason home-and-home against the Bulls Tuesday with a 95-86 loss at the United Center. Chicago beat Indiana in both games, but for the Pacers it was more about the team getting in rhythm, finding their roles and getting back in game shape.

Below are my observations from the small sample so far:

+ This team is much better and should finish the season over .500 for the first time since 2004-05. The youngest players have matured, gained experience and developed in their time with the blue and gold.

Tyler Hansbrough is Mr. Hustle on the court for the Pacers and a guy that deserves plenty of minutes.

Roy Hibbert, Tyler Hansbrough, Darren Collison…etc.

+ Tyler Hansbrough is a stud. He outworks every player on the court and plays with a passion that I’ve seen in very few players. It’s a rare characteristic for an NBA guy.

He was the most outstanding player for Indiana in both games, proving that he can bring a lot to the court. In the final preseason game he earned a double-double, scoring a game-high 19 points and also grabbing 11 rebounds.

Many assumed that recently acquired David West would take the starting power forward position but with his player, Hansbrough has made it very difficult for the coaching staff to keep him off the floor. He plays with contained energy and he has a nose to the ball. Tyler’s a guy that plays hard and frustrates his opponent by outworking him.

+ George Hill still looks uncomfortable. The Indy-native was traded to his hometown team last offseason and has yet to feel this team out. It wouldn’t surprise me for him to start with this team after a month or so into the season but first he needs to get traction and turn on his headlights.

His shots weren’t falling in the first preseason game and that may be attributed to rust from the lockout and nerves of finally playing at home. Before this season, he didn’t have a quality relationship with any of the players and the lack of chemistry is obvious. He has been passive and reluctant to shoot. Hill is a solid addition for the Pacers but it appears it may take at least a few more games for Hill to settle in and just play.

+ David West will help a lot, but remember he’s still recovering from a torn ACL in his left knee. West is only a little over eight months removed from his April 12th surgery. It’s important that he does not try to do too much early on and is patient with his recovery. He certainly isn’t 100% yet but regardless he makes Indiana a few more wins better.

+ The Pacers could still use a sharp-shooter. They are still without a killer, a guy that can nail a shot anywhere on the court and especially in crunch time.

+ For the first time ever, every Pacers game is on Fox Sports Indiana which is great news. Unfortunately Clark Kellogg will not be on the road broadcasts this year, as he will focus on his player personnel job. The fans loss could be a big gain for the team.

+ Larry Bird and David Morway had a commendable offseason. They traded for George Hill with their first-round draft pick in a weak draft. They signed some frontcourt players that can add height and depth. The David West signing had low risk and high reward with his two-year, $20 million dollar deal. That’s a great deal considering the outrageous prices other teams are paying for power forwards. And the Pacers still are about $14 million under the cap giving them leverage for potential trades and by not signing ridiculous deals, they aren’t setting the team back a few years.

+ Frank Vogel and assistants have the team’s full attention and confidence. Set to begin their first year together, the Pacers coaching staff appears to be having fun while doing it. Part of what makes sports so appealing is that they are fun and Vogel isn’t forgetting that. The team is smiling, supporting one another and throwing high-fives up all the time. Sometimes it’s the little things that can go a long way.