By now we've all seen it...the gruesome leg injury suffered by Indiana Pacers star Paul George. An all NBA caliber talent is now lost for the foreseeable future...for the upcoming season for sure. This unfortunate injury, coupled with the departure of Lance Stephenson (their 2nd best player), effectively turned the Pacers into lottery participants next season.
This time a year ago, Indiana and their fan base were optimistic about their future. They were a game away from dethroning King James and his Miami Heat in the previous Eastern Conference Finals, and Paul George's brilliant play made him the toast of the town.
This year the Pacers showed that they were ill equipped to handle the pressure of being the hunted, failing to beat Miami again this year...even with home court advantage. Bickering, finger pointing, and locker room foolishness (since I don't do smut, you can Google Roy Hibbert / Paul George for the details) led to an epic collapse to end the season.
But still...fans in Indiana remained optimistic. After all, LeBron's decision dismantled the Big 3, putting every Eastern Conference challenger back in play.
Then came the injury...and just like that....SLAM!!!
Championship windows are a fragile thing. They can't be bribed with contract extensions or draft picks, and they don't have to give you a warning before it shuts. You simply have to climb through it when you know it's open. Some could argue that Indiana took theirs for granted.
A tough lesson learned.
With the NFL preseason officially kicking off tonight, these four playoff teams from a year ago should pay close attention to the Pacers' story.
Carolina Panthers:
Last season the Carolina Panthers reached the playoffs for the first time in the Cam Newton Era, aided by a strong running game, top 10 defense, and a matured Newton. Posting a 12-4 record, Carolina fell...at home..to the 49ers in last year's playoffs.
This year Carolina will have their work cut out for them to post a similar record this year. The Panthers benefited from the Falcons and Bucs bottoming out last season, leading to a 5-1 division record. But Atlanta figures to be back at full strength, and Tampa Bay is quietly acquiring play makers for new head coach Lovie Smith. Carolina is young and talented, but they need to strike now...before the division catches back up to them.
Cincinnati Bengals:
A lethal young qb - wr combination in Andy Dalton and A.J. Green, and a stingy top 5 defense, led to a quiet 11-5 record and playoff appearance for last year's Bengals. And heading into this season, that window appears to be crystal clear for a Cincinnati team that's young and full of talent.
That's what the Pacers thought too, but I digress.
Pittsburgh and Baltimore, the resident bullies of the block, are starting to look old and punch drunk from all of their physical encounters over the years. They both will have to overhaul their rosters soon. Cleveland is making all the right moves, but are still a year away. Now is the time for Cincinnati. Head coach Marvin Lewis has to win a playoff game this year.
Kansas City Chiefs:
Last year the Chiefs came out of nowhere, posting an 11-5 record after going 2-14 the year before. After losing to the Colts in last year's wild...wild card round shootout, Chiefs fans were pleasantly surprised and certainly optimistic heading into this season.
Kansas City won their first nine games last year, but struggled heading down the stretch. This year a similar start seems unlikely, with the Chiefs facing the Broncos, Patriots, and 49ers their first five weeks. They struggled in their own division last year (2-4), and this year they draw the NFC West...and their brutal teams. We're about to find out if a window even exists for the upstart Chiefs.
Philadelphia Eagles:
Last year the Eagles stormed to the finish line with a 7-1 run, and with that, a division title. They were also a missed field goal kick away from advancing in last years playoffs. It took a while to gel, but once it did, the Eagles offense exploded...finishing as the top rushing offense in the league. The Chip Kelley experiment was a huge success.
This year Philly will be the hunted.
That should be the only road block for the Eagles, how they handle being the hunted. Philly is not only afforded the luxury of playing in the weakest division in their own conference, they also draw the AFC's weakest division...the AFC South.
They should have the inside track for home field advantage with Seattle, San Francisco, Green Bay, Chicago, New Orleans, and Carolina all having to duke it out with each other.
There is a golden opportunity laid out for these teams. Whenever they feel a lack of urgency, they should think about Paul George...and the Pacers.
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