NBA: Preseason Ranking for the Eastern Conference

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Apr 2, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) in action against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. The Indiana Pacers won 115-102. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Indiana Pacers

Some teams, such as the Bulls, Heat, Knicks and Hawks are entering new era’s because certain players left and others came to town. But then there are teams such as the Indiana Pacers. The Pacers didn’t lose their best player, Paul George, but they did make a head coaching change.

The Frank Vogel era in Indiana is finished, and the Nate McMillan era is about to commence.

Will McMillan take the Pacers to heights that Vogel didn’t? That remains to be seen. But the Pacers added some fascinating pieces around George this offseason. Indiana added the likes of Jeff Teague, Al Jefferson, Thaddeus Young and others. The Pacers will also look for Myles Turner to build on rookie year in which he showed promise.

It’s always difficult to forecast a team’s outlook when they make a coaching change. It’s the biggest single change that a team can make from one season to the next. However, the Pacers are pretty well established, and in good hands as long as Paul George is on the roster.

In Nate McMillan, the Pacers are getting an experience head coach in the NBA. McMillan was the head man in Seattle from 2001-2005, and Portland from 2005-2012. He also has experience with the Pacers, as an assistant coach for the past three seasons.

Next: No. 3