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One thing the preseason run up to the start of the NBA regular season has revealed is that the Pacers are no longer rolling under the radar. There isn't a national media outlet with any level of credibility that doesn't have the Pacers in the conversation about the top teams in the NBA and direct challenger to the champs in Miami. The journey back to respectability has been long and often far too quiet, but the cries of being overlooked and underrated, whether from the team or fans, are no longer valid.
Speaking of conversations, Paul George has the Pacers getting some of that coveted national exposure with this sit down interview on ESPN's SportsCenter where he discusses his defense, battling Kevin Durant and LeBron James and the goal he has for the Pacers this year to win an NBA championship. Should that happen he'll be ready to show off his "First Lady wave" when the team parades through the streets.
With all of the new exposure comes added expectations, but the Pacers to a man embrace those expectations. Soon we'll see if they can live up to them.
Check out the links:
Reggie: To beat Heat, Pacers must run with the Bulls - 1070 The Fan
Paul George SportsCenter Convo - ESPN Video - ESPN
Hibbert sees benefit in new NBA Finals format | Pacers Insider
NBA AM: Pacers Respond To Derrick Rose | HOOPSWORLD | Basketball News & NBA Rumors
Pacers Preview: Ranking the East - Indy Sports Legends
Watch: Victor Oladipo splits Spurs double-team, throws down monster dunk - Orlando Pinstriped Post
Hummel's shot off, but he offers Wolves intangibles | Star Tribune
Greg Oden sees first NBA action in 4 years in Heat preseason game - SBNation.com
Greg Oden's return to the court is nothing but it means everything - CBSSports.com