Pacers face win/win scenario the rest of the way
By TYLER SMITH (@TylerSmith_ISL)
ISL Editor
INDIANAPOLIS — Before this season even began, I was writing about the win/win scenarios this season would present the Indiana Pacers. While most fans wanted to tank from day one, I at least saw a possibility of a competitive team. I also recognize the importance of getting another high draft pick this summer. But regardless of what happens the rest of the way, this season will be a success in my eyes. The Pacers will either crush the expectations and gain important playoff experience, or they’ll continue to show promise for the future while gaining another top pick in the draft to build with.
Fans know the numbers by now: The Pacers started the year at 23-18, but that was followed by the Haliburton injury and a 1-10 record in their next 11 games. Will that stretch end up being a blessing in disguise? That depends on who you ask. As things currently stand, the Pacers have the 7th-worst record in the NBA, with a 32% chance of jumping into the top-four. Adding a top young player to this talented young core sounds awfully enticing, especially after they’ve already had a little success earlier this season. At the same time, the Pacers are just a game out of the play-in tournament. Getting back to winning basketball with packed crowds, excitement, and playoff experience also sounds enticing for this franchise.
The next few weeks will say a lot about the Pacers direction. But extending Myles Turner was (probably) the first step in an attempt to compete. And if they don’t? Having Turner around for a few more years makes sense anyway. If you ask Myles and other players, the goal is playoff basketball.
“I see a playoff berth for us,” Turner told JMV on 1075 The Fan. “And whatever happens from there happens. We have to start somewhere, and for us, it’s getting back to the postseason.”
“We want to get this season right again,” said teammate Tyrese Haliburton. “But either way, we feel like the future is bright.”
If the Pacers become “buyers” at the Trade Deadline, I still expect any move to still come with an eye on the future. Kevin Pritchard and his staff have committed to the long-term, and being a low playoff seed in year one won’t be enough to make major moves that might hurt the future. But I could definitely see the Pacers going after a piece that makes sense for this year and beyond, without giving up their own 1st-rounder. And if they become “sellers”, I don’t see a huge sell-off taking place either. Maybe a move or two that brings in additional picks. Buddy Hield will be the biggest name to watch if it comes to that. Though many experts say he doesn’t fit the long term plans, I’m not entirely convinced they’re correct in that assessment. I would also do whatever it took to keep Tyrese Haliburton happy. Keeping Hield is probably his preference.
I will continue repeating it the rest of the season: No matter what happens in the final 28 games, the Pacers will look back at this season as a success. And as Haliburton said himself, the future is bright.
