Observations and Concerns going into this season

[From the FanPosts, davis3217 offers up his thoughts about the Pacers with the preseason behind us. Love hearing thoughtful observations of the team from others. -TL]

Most of the sports news media have the Pacers finishing around 10th or 11th in the East this season. The top 3 teams are a lock with Cavs, Celtics and Magic. After that, you have teams like the Hawks, Wizards, Bulls, Philly, and Miami, who most "experts" have rounding out the Eastern conference playoff picture. Which is fair, based on the players they have and their performance from the past couple seasons.  I believe the Pacers have an outside shot of sneaking in at a 6,7 or 8th seed this season. However, there are some obvious things that have to happen with this team.

1. Big Roy has to get this foul situation under control. This is guy is one of my favorite players. Great work ethic, great teammate, and a ton of potential. We have to figure out a way to keep him on the floor. A stronger presence from Hansborough, Foster and Jones at the PF should help. 

2. Time for Granger to go to the next level. I believe Danny Granger is one of the top 10 players in the NBA right now. Offensively, the guy is a flat out scoring machine. However, we need some work on defensive and getting his teammates involved more in the offense. 

3. Brandon Rush establishes himself as the second scorer on this team. I just don't see MDJ coming back and having the year he had a few years back. I don't know if we need him t be that type of player. Like Big Roy, B. Rush has the potential to be a real player in this league. He can score. He can play defense. He is a smart player. But, there a times during the game where he still looks just lost. Anyone have Reggie Miller's number? What a great mentoring opportunity. If I were Brandon Rush, I would call Reggie and beg him to show how Reggie prepared during the off season. Rush did say he wanted to be the next Reggie Miller. The opportunity is there.