Last season, the Indiana Pacers had arguably the best offense in the NBA. Their 123.3 points per game average was second in the league, and their 121 points per game average was second in league history (only the Boston Celtics, last season’s championship team (123.2 points per game) did better). And this summer, the Pacers did exactly what they needed to do to deliver another top-notch offensive season.
This offseason, the Pacers re-signed star Pascal Siakam and forward Obi Toppin, who is coming off the best offensive season of his career. Additionally, they selected forward Johnny Furphy in the second round of the draft, and he is a candidate to break through the rotation and have an immediate impact on the team.
Indiana’s offense is what makes them one of the best teams in the NBA. While many believe they aren’t a serious title contender, they have one of the best offensive teams in history and just made the Eastern Conference Finals.
Even though many NBA fans continue to underestimate the Pacers, their elite offense is undeniable. And according to Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz, they should also finish as a top-three offensive team next season.
In a recent article for Bleacher Report, Swartz predicted who he believed to be the The NBA’s Top Five Offenses The next season, Swartz ranked the Pacers third, behind the Celtics and Oklahoma City Thunder. Additionally, Swartz ranked the Phoenix Suns and Philadelphia 76ers directly below the Pacers.
Swartz cited the Pacers’ unselfishness, led by All-NBA point guard Tyrese Haliburton, as the reason for their elite offense.
“Indiana ranked No. 1 overall in passes made (308.3), assists per game (30.8) and points created off assists (78.1), as well as No. 4 in potential assists (49.6) and No. 5 in secondary assists (4.3),” Swartz said.
Additionally, Swartz believes TJ McConnell is arguably the best playmaker in the league, which helps the team maintain its offensive style of play even when Haliburton or emerging star Andrew Nembhard are on the bench.
The Pacers also have center Myles Turner, one of the best offensive big men in the NBA. He’s an excellent three-point shooter and has gotten more efficient as his career has progressed.
While Indiana’s roster has some major flaws, it’s clear that their offense isn’t one of them. If the Pacers make another deep run in the playoffsIt’s probably their offense that will put them above the rest of the NBA.
