NBA Power Rankings:10 Best Teams Post Iguodala, Howard, Paul Signings

Indiana Pacers

Jun 3, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Indiana Pacers small forward Paul George (center) reacts on the bench during the fourth quarter of game 7 of the 2013 NBA Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

The Indiana Pacers took the eventual World Champion Miami Heat to seven games in the Eastern Conference Finals without their leading scorer from the previous season. The return of Danny Granger adds some wrinkles to the Pacers plans. His absence has allowed Paul George to find his true calling as a small forward, and George won the Most Improved Player award for this season. While Granger is obviously still a great player, his return may throw off some of the newfound chemistry of the team.

Assuming that Frank Vogel finds the correct way to re-incorporate Granger, the Pacers become an even better team because their shooting would improve. In 2012-13, they ranked 22nd in the league in three-point percentage and were middle of the pack in attempts and makes. Granger would undoubtedly impact those standings with his career 38.4 percentage from beyond the arc. If the Pacers manage to fill their offensive weak spots while still managing their stifling defense, they become a legitimate contender for the championship.