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NBA 2016-17 forecast: Central Division

By Brian Boake

May 27, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) gets ready to talk to the media at the end of game six of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Cleveland Cavaliers won 113-87. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
May 27, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) gets ready to talk to the media at the end of game six of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Cleveland Cavaliers won 113-87. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /
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INDIANA PACERS

Last season: 45 – 37

This season: 50 – 32

Despite giving the Raptors a huge scare in the first round of the playoffs, Pacers’ boss Larry Bird decided an overhaul was needed. Coach Frank Vogel was tossed overboard, as was starting point guard George Hill. The new bench boss is Nate McMillan, and former Atlanta Hawk Jeff Teague will be bringing the ball up the floor.

The incumbents aren’t shabby either. Paul George should be an All-Star again. There aren’t many players who can impact the game on both sides of the ball like this guy. Al Jefferson has signed on as a free agent. He can still score down low with the best. Monta Ellis can shoot and penetrate, though he’s a weak defender. Thaddeus Young was an excellent pickup as a reserve or spot starter at forward.

May 1, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) shoots past the outstretched arm of Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (10) in the fourth quarter in game seven of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors advanced with a 89-84 win. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
May 1, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) shoots past the outstretched arm of Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (10) in the fourth quarter in game seven of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors advanced with a 89-84 win. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

If Myles Turner steps into the limelight, this team could rival the Warriors for the most points per game. They even have depth, with handy people like C.J. Miles, Aaron Brooks, and Rodney Stuckey to help. The Pacers are back.

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