The Indiana Pacers 2012–13 combined balanced scoring with one of the league’s strongest defensive profiles, led by Paul George’s all-around production and David West’s consistent frontcourt scoring. Roy Hibbert anchored the paint with rebounding and rim protection, while George Hill handled primary playmaking duties. The roster emphasized interior defense, physical rebounding, and disciplined offense, relying on multiple contributors rather than a single dominant scorer.
Primary wing creator after Danny Granger’s injury, carrying a larger scoring load while still anchoring elite perimeter defense. His blend of shot creation, rebounding and disruptive defense made him Indiana’s breakout star, and he was the league’s only player with at least 140 steals and 50 blocks. (NBA.com)
NBA Most Improved Player 2013, NBA All-Star 2013, All-NBA Third Team 2013, NBA All-Defensive Second Team 2013, DPOY-8
David West
Starter/Star (1.1)
33.4
High (1.2)
17.1
7.7
2.9
1.9
78.41
Functioned as Indiana’s steady half-court hub, punishing defenders from the mid-range and providing veteran leadership. West’s physical interior scoring gave the Pacers a dependable offensive option whenever games slowed down.
—
George Hill
Starter/Star (1.1)
34.5
Medium (1.1)
14.2
3.7
4.7
1.4
58.56
More of a control-point guard than a volume scorer, Hill balanced floor spacing with strong perimeter defense. His low turnover rate and reliable three-point shooting helped stabilize one of the East’s best starting units.
—
Roy Hibbert
Starter/Star (1.1)
28.7
Medium (1.1)
11.9
8.3
1.4
3.1
59.05
Defensive anchor of the Pacers’ elite interior scheme, using size and rim protection to alter countless possessions beyond the box score. His 2.6 blocks per game reflected how central he was to Indiana’s identity.
DPOY-10
Lance Stephenson
Starter/Star (1.1)
29.2
Medium (1.1)
8.8
3.9
2.9
1.2
40.05
Energetic two-way guard who brought ball-handling, transition play and defensive intensity off the wing. His versatility allowed Indiana to play bigger lineups without sacrificing playmaking.
—
Tyler Hansbrough
Key Contributor (1.05)
16.9
Low (1.0)
7.0
4.6
0.4
0.6
26.88
Physical reserve forward whose relentless activity generated second-chance opportunities and free throws. He gave Indiana a noticeable change of pace whenever the second unit needed energy.
—
Gerald Green
Key Contributor (1.05)
18.0
Medium (1.1)
7.0
2.4
0.8
0.7
25.41
Instant-offense wing used primarily to stretch defenses and attack in transition. Although his efficiency fluctuated, his athleticism added scoring punch to the bench rotation.
—
Ian Mahinmi
Key Contributor (1.05)
16.5
Low (1.0)
5.0
3.9
0.3
1.3
22.05
Backup center who focused on screening, rim running and interior defense. His mobility allowed Indiana to maintain a defensive presence when Hibbert rested.
—
D.J. Augustin
Key Contributor (1.05)
16.1
Low (1.0)
4.7
1.2
2.2
0.4
17.85
Reserve playmaker tasked with organizing the second unit. He supplied ball movement and outside shooting while keeping possessions under control in limited minutes.
—
Danny Granger
Key Contributor (1.05)
14.8
Low (1.0)
5.4
1.8
0.6
0.6
17.64
Injuries limited him to only five appearances, but he remained an experienced scoring forward whose absence accelerated Paul George’s emergence into a featured role.
—
Jeff Ayres
Bench (1.0)
10.0
Low (1.0)
3.9
2.8
0.4
0.5
15.20
Frontcourt depth piece who contributed through hustle plays, rebounding and efficient finishing around the basket rather than offensive volume.
—
Orlando Johnson
Bench (1.0)
12.1
Low (1.0)
4.0
2.2
0.9
0.4
15.00
Rookie wing who flashed perimeter shooting ability and gave the Pacers occasional scoring depth during the regular season.
—
Sam Young
Bench (1.0)
12.4
Low (1.0)
2.8
2.2
0.8
0.4
12.40
Defensive-minded reserve wing whose value came from physical perimeter coverage and lineup flexibility rather than offensive production.
—
Ben Hansbrough
Bench (1.0)
7.1
Low (1.0)
2.0
0.6
0.8
0.4
7.60
End-of-bench guard who provided spot minutes and secondary ball-handling when called upon.
—
Miles Plumlee
Bench (1.0)
3.9
Low (1.0)
0.9
1.6
0.1
0.2
5.60
Developmental big man used sparingly, showing flashes of athletic rim-running and rebounding in limited opportunities.
—
Dominic McGuire
Bench (1.0)
6.0
Low (1.0)
0.0
1.0
0.5
0.0
3.00
Defensive specialist who appeared briefly and filled a utility role focused on effort, versatility and matchup coverage.
—
TEAM TOTALS
—
241.9
—
94.7
45.9
20.3
13.5
488.76
Indiana combined elite defense, strong frontcourt play and Paul George’s breakout campaign to finish among the Eastern Conference’s top contenders during the 2012-13 regular season.
Two-way focal point of Indiana’s playoff run, taking on primary scoring duties while still handling tough wing assignments. His all-around production jumped in the postseason, and he frequently initiated offense against elite defenses during the Pacers’ march to the Eastern Conference Finals.
NBA All-Star 2013, NBA Most Improved Player 2013, All-NBA Third Team 2013, NBA All-Defensive Second Team 2013
Roy Hibbert
Starter/Star
36.5
High
17.0
9.9
1.4
2.1
80.78
Defensive anchor and interior deterrent whose postseason impact stretched beyond the box score. Hibbert controlled the paint, protected the rim, and forced opponents to alter their attack, particularly during Indiana’s series against New York and Miami.
—
David West
Starter/Star
36.3
High
15.9
7.6
2.1
1.5
71.81
Veteran power forward who stabilized Indiana’s half-court offense with physical post play and reliable mid-range shooting. His experience showed up in late-game situations where the Pacers leaned on his decision-making and toughness.
—
George Hill
Starter/Star
38.1
Medium
14.6
3.7
4.3
1.4
57.60
Steady lead guard whose value came from controlling tempo rather than dominating possessions. Hill spaced the floor, defended opposing guards and delivered timely scoring while sharing creation duties with Paul George.
—
Lance Stephenson
Starter/Star
35.4
Medium
9.4
7.6
3.3
1.3
52.03
Versatile wing contributor who brought rebounding, ball-handling and defensive energy to the starting lineup. His ability to push the break and create secondary offense gave Indiana another dimension during the playoffs.
—
D.J. Augustin
Key Contributor
16.6
Low
5.2
0.8
0.7
0.4
14.91
Change-of-pace reserve guard who supplied shooting and ball security in short bursts. Indiana often turned to him when the second unit needed spacing or an extra perimeter creator.
—
Tyler Hansbrough
Key Contributor
12.7
Low
4.1
3.2
0.3
0.3
16.59
High-energy reserve forward whose relentless style translated well to playoff basketball. He battled on the glass, drew contact and provided physical minutes whenever the frontcourt rotation needed a spark.
—
Gerald Green
Bench
11.7
Low
6.1
1.3
0.3
0.1
15.60
Instant-offense wing used primarily for scoring punch off the bench. His athleticism and willingness to shoot from deep allowed Indiana to inject offense into otherwise defensive-minded lineups.
—
Ian Mahinmi
Bench
8.3
Low
1.6
2.3
0.1
0.7
9.40
Backup center whose role centered on rim protection, rebounding and screen setting. Even in limited minutes, he helped preserve the Pacers’ defensive identity when Hibbert rested.
—
Jeff Ayres
Bench
7.9
Low
1.8
2.0
0.1
0.2
8.20
Frontcourt depth piece who focused on hustle plays and interior work. His contributions were mostly tied to rebounding battles and maintaining physicality in reserve units.
—
Sam Young
Bench
8.7
Low
1.7
1.9
0.3
0.4
8.60
Defensive-minded reserve wing who was used situationally for perimeter coverage and effort plays rather than offensive production.
—
Orlando Johnson
Bench
2.3
Low
0.8
0.3
0.1
0.0
2.40
Rookie guard who saw only brief playoff action, mostly appearing in low-leverage situations as developmental depth.
—
Ben Hansbrough
Bench
3.7
Low
0.0
0.5
0.5
0.2
2.40
End-of-bench guard whose postseason appearances were limited to short relief minutes when the rotation expanded.
—
TEAM TOTALS
—
241.3
—
91.8
45.6
17.5
9.9
428.02
Indiana reached the 2013 Eastern Conference Finals behind elite interior defense, strong frontcourt play and Paul George’s emergence as a legitimate postseason star.
