are the pacers on pace to be a top 5 east team in a few years?

I think so. They have a nice foundation to build around, and they're holding their own against the #1 seed in the East right now even though they're all so young. They need to learn how to close out games, but that will come with experience and this year's playoff experience will go a long way. I think they would benefit from a few veteran role players and a 3PT specialist that could contribute off the bench. It will be interesting to see what they do in Free Agency.

In a few years, I think the only teams that will definitely be ahead of them in the East are the Bulls and Heat. I think the Celtics will get worse once their best players start retiring, and if Dwight Howard leaves Orlando, I think they'll become a lottery team. The Hawks, Sixers and Knicks will most likely compete with the Pacers for the 3-6 spots in the East.

It depends on a lot of things including free agency and upcoming drafts. Right now the Heat, Bulls, Magic, Hawks and Knicks are all set up to be better than the Pacers even if the Celtics all retire. The Pacers are looking decent because they are giving the Bulls a challenge but when you actually look at their record the picture isn't quite as pretty. I think the Pacers can improve but the East is also improving a lot so let's see who the Pacers can actually bring in with that cap room.

probably. they could have beat the bulls if they werent so unlucky