POINT GUARDS
Jamaal Tinsley / Sarunas Jasikevicius / Anthony Johnson / Eddie Gill
SHOOTING GUARDS
Stephen Jackson / Fred Jones
SMALL FORWARDS
Ron Artest / Danny Granger / Jonathon Bender / Damone Brown
POWER FORWARDS
Jermaine O'Neal / Austin Croshere / Samaki Walker
CENTERS
Jeff Foster / Davis Harrison / Scot Pollard
Jamaal Tinsley / Sarunas Jasikevicius / Anthony Johnson / Eddie Gill
SHOOTING GUARDS
Stephen Jackson / Fred Jones
SMALL FORWARDS
Ron Artest / Danny Granger / Jonathon Bender / Damone Brown
POWER FORWARDS
Jermaine O'Neal / Austin Croshere / Samaki Walker
CENTERS
Jeff Foster / Davis Harrison / Scot Pollard
Key Additions : Ron Arest, Sarunas Jasikevicius, Danny Granger
Coach : Rick Carlisle
Strengths : The return of Ron Artest, and a full season from Jermaine O'Neal and Stephen Jackson, have Indiana back on track to challenge Detroit and Miami for the Eastern Conference supremecy. Indiana is very deep at all positions, with no shortage of fire power. O'Neal gives Indiana a great presense at both ends of the floor in the paint, as does Artest. Jackson and Sarunas give Indiana a dangerous outside threat and speedy point guard Tinsley can get to the hoop at will. Foster is a hard nosed rebounding center, and David Harrison is emerging. Danny Grainger was a surprise pickup for Indiana, as noone expecting him to fall this far.
Weaknesses : Coach Carlisle has to keep the volatile Ron Artest in check. The energetic baller is the next generation Dennis Rodman with his wild ways on the court. Finding minutes for 3 veteran point guards will be interesting. All three will expect time, as will athletic guard Fred Jones. Their depth is a strength, but it may cause off court problems.
Overview : This is the most talented team in the East. It has every facet covered, barring chemistry. If this team can pull together, it is the cream of the East crop. However last season left many question marks on player character. This team has alot of flexibility should unrest arise. Talented Johnathon Bender is always grabbing feelers, as will Fred Jones. Look for this team though to make a charge at the number 1 seed on the back of star big man O'Neal, and the allround games of Jackson and Artest.
Win Range : 54 - 59 wins