Coming into the 2013 NBA playoffs, one of the matchups folks were most excited about was a potential Eastern Conference clash between the number one seeded Miami Heat and the New York Knicks, which had the number two seed this year.
Then the playoffs started. And while Miami has done its job, bumping the Milwaukee Bucks and the Chicago Bulls, the Knicks did not.
They got bumped, losing to the Indiana Pacers in six games in the Eastern Conference Semi Finals.
So here we are: Miami Heat vs. the Indiana Pacers to see who will be representing the East in the NBA Finals.
And while we are pretty informed about LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and the Miami Heat, no one but the Harry Hardcores know anything about the Indiana Pacers.
Nada.
So, for those who need a lil’ help: here is the 411 on the stars of the Indiana Pacers.
Paul George:
Age: 23
Position: Shooting Guard
Years in the NBA: Three
Salary: $2.574 million
On the court: The closest thing that the Indiana Pacers have to a star on their team is Paul George, who has come along since Danny Granger, Indiana’s previous star, was hurt. He’s known for his defensive play, but he’s no slouch offensively: George averaged 17.4 points this year, winning the league’s Most Improved Player award.
Relationship status: We couldn’t find anything.
Fashion: Even though he’s not as flamboyant as some of the Heat’s stars, it’s clear George knows how to dress. He’s into street style stuff like Jordans and Nike Foamposites. Here are some of his notable looks:
Roy Hibbert
Age: 26
Position: Center
Years in the NBA: Five
Salary: $13.67 million
On the court: There aren’t many great centers in the league anymore, so it’s safe to say that Roy Hibbert is possibly a top three player in his position. Against the Knicks he made the play of the series, blocking Carmelo Anthony for a dunk in Game 6.
Relationship status: He’s engaged to Valerie Cooke. (Second from the left.)
Fashion: So funny thing about Roy, he recently joked that he was going to rock a monocle — Mr. Peanut style. In all seriousness, Roy keeps his fashion pretty simple, opting to wear Jordans and some jeans.
George Hill:
Age: 27
Position: Point Guard
Years in the NBA: Five
Salary: $8 million
On the court: Though George Hill isn’t the most well known player in the league, he’s clearly the glue that keeps this team together. As point guard, he’s the undisputed team leader. He showed his worth against the Knicks last series: the point guard was out with a concussion in Game five and the Pacers got scorched.
Relationship status: Dating Samantha Garcia…
Fashion: George Hill is just as low key off the court as he is on the court, meaning we couldn’t find a lot of fashion examples from him. Here he is rocking a pretty decent suit though.
Lance Stephenson:
Age: 22
Position: Shooting Guard
Years in the NBA: Three
Salary: $870,000
On the court: Not only is Lance Stephenson the Pacer’s least paid starter, but for years he was seen as a huge disappointment, not only because of his play, but because of off the court problems. (In 2010, there was an ugly situation where he threw his girlfriend of the time down the stairs.) However, the NY product is finally starting to come along as a basketball player: he torched the Knicks for 25 points in Game Six the other night.
Relationship status: ???????
Fashion: Lance likes to keep his off the court fashion clean and simple: in both pics below he can be seen rocking simple American Fly T-Shirts.
