Another season has arrived for the Indiana Pacers. And while expectations may be low, the excitement level is high for this young team. The blue and gold open their season with a rare stretch of three home games in four nights, beginning with the home opener Wednesday against the Washington Wizards.
Most NBA experts have predicted this team to miss the playoffs for a third straight year. The truth is, a lot of things would have to go Indiana’s way for them to make the play-in tournament. There’s also the high probability that they trade away players like Myles Turner and Buddy Hield later this season, as they continue to prioritize the future.
If you’re looking for a lot of wins, you’ll probably be disappointed. But if you’re looking for some hope and direction, you’ll probably find it.
Last month, I was able to attend a luncheon with other media members. It was hosted by the Pacers Front Office. Their message that day was clear: From top to bottom, this organization is united in planning for long-term success. Gone are the days of striving to be a “tough out” and thinking a playoff appearance is enough. It may take several years, but this franchise finally has a plan, and a path forward.
I won’t be surprised if this team gets off to a decent start this season. And I won’t be surprised if they knock off a bunch of top teams throughout the year, especially at home. They are going to score a lot of points, and play an exciting brand of basketball. This is Tyrese Haliburton’s team now, and when it’s all said and done, he has a chance to be one of the best and most-loved Pacers in franchise history. Bennedict Mathurin is another exciting player to watch- the 6th pick in this year’s NBA draft. Head Coach Rick Carlisle keeps telling us that Mathurin wants to be coached, and wants to be great. He has a ton of raw talent, and gives me some Jimmy Butler or Anthony Edwards vibes on the court.
Don’t forget about last year’s draft picks as well, as they enter their second year- Chris Duarte and Isaiah Jackson and poised to make improvements on a successful rookie season. Jalen Smith will begin the season as the starting four, even though he could’ve made more money playing elsewhere. His development will also be exciting to watch.
The defensive end is where the Pacers will struggle the most. Outside of Myles Turner blocking shots, this team has a lot of work to do to improve on the defensive end. This also means if you come out to Gainbridge Fieldhouse for a game this year, you’re probably going to see a lot of offense.
As I enter my 10th season covering the team and going to the home games, I would always prefer higher expectations for the team I’m about to cover. At the same time, it’s a breath of fresh air to finally have direction, and a team that is full of young talent and potential draft picks. I’m looking at this season with optimism: If the Pacers surprise some people and have a decent record, that can build some momentum and clearly means the players are developing quickly. And if they don’t, it will mean another high draft pick in a loaded class next summer- which could end up being a major piece to getting this team back to where they want to go. No matter what happens, I’m ready for the ride. Pacers basketball is back.
Tyler Smith covers the Indiana Pacers and Indiana Hoosiers for IndySportsLegends and is a frequent contributor to the Journal Review. Smith is also the head girls basketball coach at Crawfordsville High School.
