The Indiana Pacers had a rollercoaster of a season in 2015, finishing with a record of 38-44 and missing the playoffs for the first time in six years. Despite the disappointing outcome, there were still some standout performances from players on the roster.
Paul George's Return
Perhaps the biggest storyline of the season was the return of Paul George, who missed most of the previous season with a gruesome leg injury. George quickly showed that he was back to his old form, averaging 23.1 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game.
Monta Ellis' Debut
The Pacers made a big offseason signing in Monta Ellis, who was expected to provide some much-needed scoring punch. Ellis didn't disappoint, averaging 13.8 points and 4.7 assists per game in his first season with the team.
Roy Hibbert's Departure
One of the biggest changes to the roster was the departure of Roy Hibbert, who had been a mainstay in the Pacers' lineup for several years. Hibbert was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in the offseason, leaving a big hole in the team's frontcourt.
Myles Turner's Emergence
With Hibbert gone, the Pacers turned to rookie Myles Turner to fill the void. Turner had an impressive debut season, averaging 10.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game. He also showed promise as a stretch big man, knocking down 34% of his three-point attempts.
George Hill's Injury Woes
The Pacers were dealt a blow early in the season when starting point guard George Hill went down with a knee injury. Hill missed 28 games as a result, and the team struggled to find a consistent replacement in his absence.
Larry Bird's Criticism
Pacers president Larry Bird was critical of the team's performance throughout the season, calling them "soft" and "not competitive" at times. Bird's comments were seen as a wake-up call for the team, but they ultimately weren't able to turn things around.
The Coaching Change
Despite the disappointing season, head coach Frank Vogel was initially expected to return for the following year. However, the team ultimately decided to part ways with Vogel, citing a desire for a "new voice" in the locker room.
Looking Ahead
The Pacers have undergone some significant changes since the 2015 season, but there are still some familiar faces on the roster. Paul George remains the team's cornerstone, and he'll be joined by new additions like Jeff Teague and Thaddeus Young. The team will be looking to bounce back from last year's disappointing finish and make a return to the playoffs in 2017.