The Pacers are expecting much more out of 24-year old point guard Darren Collison in 2011-12. He played in 79 games (all starts) for the Pacers last year and he averaged 29.9 minutes, 13.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Collison has now played in 155 games (116 starts) in his first two years in the NBA and he is averaging 28.8 minutes, 12.8 points, 2.7 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.1 steals per game. The Pacers are likely going to give Collison more freedom offensively in 2011-12. 21-year old Lance Stephenson had a rough rookie year for the Pacers last season due to off-court problems. He played in 12 games (0 starts) for the Pacers last year and he averaged 9.6 minutes, 3.1 points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game on only 33.3% shooting from the floor. The Pacers acquired 25-year old George Hill from the Spurs during the draft last year with the idea of starting him at shooting guard. He can also give Collison a break at the point when he needs one.

The Indiana Pacers really need to add some backup big men when the lockout is lifted. Right now, Tyler Hansbrough and Roy Hibbert are the only power forwards and centers on the roster. If the Pacers don’t bring back Josh McRoberts and Jeff Foster in free agency, they will have to sign replacements for them. Other than that, the Pacers seem ready to go for the 2011-12 season.