The Indiana Pacers are viewed as the NBA's most improved team for the 2026-27 season, according to the league's annual General Manager survey. The poll, which gathered opinions from all 30 front offices, also placed the Pacers 7th in the Eastern Conference pecking order. The team looks to build on that projection after a narrow 114-112 preseason loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 13.
The survey results present a mixed but optimistic outlook for Indiana. GMs ranked the Eastern Conference contenders, slotting the Pacers in 7th behind the New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons, and Toronto Raptors. This positioning reflects the perceived depth of the conference, though some voters did have Indiana as high as the 3rd seed.
A major vote of confidence came in the 'most improved team' category. The Pacers topped that list with 43% of the vote, well ahead of the second-place Washington Wizards at 23%. This suggests executives expect a significant leap, potentially a 20 to 35-game improvement from last season's record.
Head coach Rick Carlisle earned significant respect from his peers. He was voted the 4th best overall coach in the NBA and ranked number one for making the best in-game adjustments, receiving 30% of the vote.
Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton did not crack the top four in the 'best point guard' voting, which was swept by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Brunson, Luka Doncic, and Steph Curry. New acquisition Kelly Oubre Jr. was noted, however, placing 11th in voting for the most underrated player acquisition. Oubre is expected to be a key sixth man, providing scoring punch off the bench and spot starts.
No Pacers player was listed among the top ten perimeter defenders, a list headed by Amen Thompson and Alex Caruso. Andrew Nembhard will aim to change that perception with his defensive play this season.
Indiana's preseason has been a series of close contests. Following a 123-112 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 7 and a 119-117 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on October 10, they fell to the Thunder 114-112 in their most recent outing. These games are serving as a tune-up for the rotation and new pieces like Oubre.
The team now prepares for its final preseason test, a home matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks on October 16. This game offers a final chance to refine schemes before the regular season grind begins.
While preseason polls don't win games, the survey highlights the growing external belief in Indiana's trajectory. Being named the most improved team is a tangible sign of the roster's potential. Coach Carlisle's top ranking for adjustments is a huge asset, especially in tight playoff games.
The 7th-place conference ranking sets a baseline. It's a reminder of the competitive hurdle the East presents, with several teams making major offseason moves. The Pacers' blend of established star power in Haliburton, respected coaching, and valued role players like Oubre gives them a clear path to exceed those expectations and climb the standings.
