Hey everyone, its been great reading you alls thoughts. I haven t posted in a long time but had to kick some knowledge. There has been some good comments and some downright silly ones, but entertaining none the less. Not to mention the "condensed" has become bloated. So anyways here we go. Also, apologize in advance this is on my phone.

Continue reading this post »

Well guys and gals, the dust has settled a little bit and I hope everyone is excited as me to have an allstar caliber, hometown guy, coming to play for us. To add another level to a team that took the #1 seed to the barn for most of the NBA Playoff Series. We know how that ended, and I'm sure we all agree our needs now are at PF and/or Backup Center. I believe Hill gives us another Closer to share the load and bring a winning Spurs veteran attitude to the team/locker room. As far as our needs, I like re signing JMAC, then signing Reggie Evans or Chuck Hayes. Backup Center, we might have to play Foster and JMAC there until 2012, because I think all the guys worth getting would get overpaid or chase a championship, which would make it not worth it to me. Obviously, Chandler, Dalembert, or Deandre Jordan would be great, but I fear unrealistic.

The other thing I wanted input on was a nickname for Hill. Pop gave him Indiana George and I like the Blow reference, but think something else could be more fitting. You Area 55 guys definitely need to input good nicknames that become chants well. What do you all think George Hill's nickname should be? Nappy George, Naptown George, Indy George, George Ripple, Broad George, Indiana George, I George, George the Giant? LOL

The trade rumor from Chad Ford, I dont know if anyones talked about it already, but it seems the Bucks are interested in moving down. The rumor is Houston with #14 and #23 or us with the #15 and Brandon Rush. I like Rush and think he's a good role player, but I think this is an ideal trade situation for both sides. So I really like it. What does the 'Rows think about it?

I wanted to do my version of what I thought the draft will look like if there are no trades for the first 14. Look forward to your thoughts.

1.Cle Derrick Williams

2.Min Kyrie Irving

3.Uta Enes Kanter

4.Cle Brandon Knight

5.Tor Jan Vesely

6.Was Jonas Valanciunas

7.Sac Kemba Walker

8.Det Bismack Biyombo

9.Cha Kawhi Leonard

10.Mil Alec Burks

11.GSW Chris Singleton

12.Uta Jimmer Freddette

13.Pho Tristan Thompson

14.Hou Donatas Montiejunas

So who would you want us drafting in this scenario?

Poll

Who do you want the Pacers to draft?

23%

Klay Thompson

24 votes

5%

Marcus Morris

6 votes

51%

Marshon Brooks

53 votes

4%

Markieff Morris

5 votes

0%

Jordan Hamilton

1 votes

7%

Kenneth Faried

8 votes

2%

Tobias Harris

3 votes

0%

Nikola Vuceciv

1 votes

0%

Josh Selby

1 votes

102 votes | Poll has closed

Let me just start, by saying I miss the Pacers/Knicks rivalry, and am glad to see the Knicks in good shape again. I hope my Pacers continue the upward trend and hope both our teams will stay competitive enough to rekindle a truly great Rivalry.

Having said that, why the hell did they let Walsh walk? Yeah, maybe you shouldnt have given up Mozgov, but you wouldnt even be in a position to moan about it without Walsh. I truly do wanna see the Knicks do well, but if you the fans don't make yourselves heard, Thomas could very well be running things again. I know you guys dont want that. As a basketball fan, I worried when I heard Walsh was walking. As Knick Fans, I could only imagine.

Well, thanks for your patience with my rant. I just stopped by to see what the outlook is from a Knicks universe perspective. This along with IndyCornrows, are two of the best, most participated blogs on SBNation and I respect Knicks fans for their loyalty in the good and bad. I know you all have empathy from Pacers Nation, as we have been in turmoil since the Brawl. So anyways, out of people actually likely to be their at 15, the consensus is that we are gonna draft Marshon Brooks. We are looking into acquiring the 20 from Minnesota assumedly for Kenneth Faried. At least thats my ideal situation if Burks or someone doesnt fall to us. 2nd round will probably be someone like Greg Smith, ex-teammate of Paul George at Fresno State. I have heard many rumors of Knicks makin moves and what not, but if you guys dont move up, who do you like? If you are gonna make a move, what do you see as a potentially viable move for the Knicks? Well thanks guys, I hate you, LOL, Look forward to seeing you guys in the playoffs hopefully. Good Luck and look forward to your responses.

Poll

Do you guys miss the Pacers/Knicks rivalry of the 90's?

70%

Yes

45 votes

29%

No

19 votes

64 votes | Poll has closed

We needed to get another one started. So recommend this if you want and we can continue discussing potential moves for the Pacers in one spot.

I had one I was thinking about. Wanted tosee if anyone would be interested. Cleveland had been rumored to get the #8 pick from Detroit for taking on the last couple years of RIPs contract and then there was supposedly a buy out for him. I guess Detroit wanted more than just cap relief for the #8. So what do you guys think is there something we could put together, that would benefit all involved? Would you guys even be interested in this years draft?

I could see something like RIP and the #8 for our 2nd round pick and D.Jones or whoever. I wouldnt mind having RIP a year then trade him as an expiring/wily vet. He's in tremendous shape and plays like Reggie, constantly running his man around and through screens. He's automatic with his midrange game and could bring a championship mentality and veteran presence. Not to mention we could get maybe an Alec Burks (or Biyombo etc.) as well, to eventually take his spot at #8. Plus, we'd still have the #15 to do whatever we wanted with.

I really like the potential in dealing for the #8 and RIP, what do you guys think?

Poll

Would you all potentially be interested in trading for the #8 pick and Richard Hamilton?

55%

Yes

75 votes

44%

No

59 votes

134 votes | Poll has closed

NBA Draft Combine: Athleticism Testing Analysis

By mikeyvthedon Sun, 05/29/2011 - 5:12pm

By: Michael Lewis Visenberg

While we are counting down the days to the NBA Draft, we have passed the significant landmark of the Draft Combine! We saw people gain and lose inches of height, or stay relatively as tall as we thought they were. Also, after the usual painful wait, the combine athletic scores were released! While I will preach time and again that these scores are not the end all be all, they are still fun to see and go through. Well, lets see what players jumped up the draft boards:

NBA Draft Combine: Athleticism Testing Lottery Locks:

With Kyrie Irving choosing not to participate in the athletic portion of the testing, this appeared to be an opportunity for Derrick Williams and Enes Kanter to make the decision difficult for Cleveland. Each of these prospects showed very nice athleticism, though it is unknown as to whether either put up numbers impressive enough to knock Irving from the top spot. One could only assume what Irving would have tested, as he was not seen as being a top flight athlete, but Williams and Kanter were slightly more athletic than once thought.

After measuring in as having a slightly high 10.8% body fat on his 248-pound frame, Derrick Williams did not let this weigh down an impressive athletic testing. Williams has close to prototype size and length for a PF, but his numbers showed that he very well could find his place for himself on the wing. His athleticism and speed appear solid for a wing player, but incredibly strong for a post. His lifting the 185-pound bar a combine high 19 times showed great strength for any position. Add in his excellent 34.5-inch vert and a strong 11.03 in the lane agility test numbers, Williams definitely showed the hopes teams are placing in him to play either forward position. The numbers may not exactly jump out at you as being elite, but they definitely showed that Williams has what it takes to be a high level NBA athlete.

Enes Kanter impressed scouts just by being there, as everyone was incredibly anxious to see the young Turkish phenom play after what seemed like an eternity from his standout 2010 Hoop Summit performance. Reviews appeared to be incredibly positive for Enes, as he measured at a svelte 6’11 and 260 pounds, with an incredibly solid 5.9% body fat. This shows that he has pretty adequate size to play Center, and he also posted athleticism results that bettered top post prospects of last year DeMarcus Cousins and Greg Monroe. While he does not possess the length of Cousins, and has yet to be battle tested as Monroe was, his combine numbers definitely show that Kanter has at least been keeping in good shape and shows nice athletic potential. He posted an ideal 14 reps on the bench and his 11.3 lane agility score shows he has some ability to move the floor. Kanter’s athleticism is not going to blow you away, but it must have alleviated some of the worries teams had about him.

We may not have an idea of where Irving would rate on the athletic tests, but other top PG’s showed a great deal of athletic ability. Brandon Knight and Kemba Walker posted 37.5 and 39 inch max verts respectively, and appear to be every bit the NBA athletes one would expect. They both posted above average agility and sprinting ability, and Knight posted an impressive 10 reps on the bench press, while Walker had a decent 7. Still, with their impressive numbers aside, Jimmer Fredette was a star amongst athletic tests. His 10.42 agility was third fastest in the combine. Jimmer also posted a beastly 14 reps, showed nice speed and while his jumping numbers were slightly below average, Jimmer fans were ecstatic with his combine showing. Kawhi Leonard may not have been lock for the lottery, but if the combine meant anything, he might not have a very long wait in the Green Room. He may not have incredible size for a 3 at 6’7, but his 7’3 wingspan should more than make up for that. His athletic numbers however, were not as great as one would expect. He posted only a 32-inch max vert, which is quite below average for a player his size, and his speed numbers were nothing to write home about. Also, he lifted 185 only 3 times, though his colossal wingspan may be a reason why. Still, armed with a pair of massive mitts and a great work ethic, do not expect him to slip out of the first 10 picks.

Guards: If prospects were to be given movie names for this weekend after their combine performance, than Iman Shumpert would be "The Hangover II". Shumpert not only appeared much taller than other point guards, and with his build and athleticism, should truly become a combo. At 6’5.5 and 222 lbs of solid frame, he jumped out the building with verticals of 36.5 standing and 42 max. He had great running numbers and lifted 185 a monstrous 18 times. While his shooting and decision making still have a lot to be desired, Shumpert’s freakish athleticism could easily give teams in the first round some intrigue. Josh Selby equaled Shumpert’s vert numbers, and is quickly growing in popularity. Selby may have had a mediocre freshman year at Kansas, but he seems to be showing why he was viewed as such a top-flight prospect. Isaiah Thomas also showed some big time hops and speed, not to mention 13 reps, strength in which Thomas uses to play much bigger than his size. Butler star Shelvin Mack really proved that he is not only strong, with his 17 reps, but posted some major league vertical numbers and solid speed. He definitely was known as being an incredibly strong guard, but his other athletic numbers were incredibly surprising in a very good way for this natural born leader. A number of combo guards made some noise during the combine as well, trying to show which small school star is the next Kevin Martin or Rodney Stuckey. They do not have the size, but Norris Cole, Charles Jenkins and Andrew Goudelock are all making some noise as legit NBA prospects. Cole, well known for playing much bigger than his size, posted very impressive vert numbers and a combine high 10.07 lane agility. Word is that he is moving up draft boards after these results. Jenkins is the biggest of these prospects, and while he showed nice strength, his athleticism was fairly below average. Goudelock meanwhile has the best shooting stroke of these players, and showed very solidly in the testing. He posted the second fastest lane agility, a very fast ¾ court sprint and an above average vert. All of these players should be drafted and should all get some first round sniffs.

Wings: We all knew that Travis Leslie would post monster numbers, so his 40.5-inch vert was no real surprise; only surprising it was not higher. Someone who may find himself as a combo guard would be Malcolm Lee, and he showed a great vert and strength. Lee has been getting rave reviews, and is one too be watched. The twosome of Tennessee players also looked great in the athletic portion of the combine, as Scotty Hopson and Tobias Harris both showed the athleticism that has people loving their potential on the wing. Alec Burks showed his nice smooth athleticism and posted nice numbers for a 2. He will need to get stronger, but he showed the athleticism that will probably make him a lottery pick and the first true 2 guard taken. Marshon Brooks also showed a huge 34.5 inch standing vert and some great quickness. Brooks is also slight, but he is very long and has impressed people with his smooth game. Klay Thompson showed decent to below average athleticism, though with his length and shooting stroke, he will still be a very high pick on June 23. For those most suited to SF, Chris Singleton showed the athleticism that will hopefully help him guard multiple positions. Jordan Hamilton actually had a below average showing for the most part, though I doubt he slips too far. Two wings were unable to bench 185, Tyler Honeycutt and Jereme Richmond. They both need work on their frames, but they ran the two fastest ¾ sprints at the combine, Richmond running a 3.02. Jimmy Butler, whom many seem to be calling the Wesley Matthews or Landry Fields of this years draft, also posted really impressive numbers.

Big Men: The Morris twins are two of the more polished prospects in this years draft as far as basketball ability, but they really did not stand out very much as athletes. It is not that either Marcus Morris or Markieff Morris are bad athletes, but really neither stood out much in that category. If anything, Marcus showed that he is more fitted as a 4 than on the wing. JaJuan Johnson and Keith Benson both showed really big athleticism to go with their long and slightly smaller frames. They both had 12’1.5 max vert reaches, which shows that these guys are great athletes for their size. With 15 and 12 reps respectively, they also showed they are athletes despite them being a few pounds lighter than one would like. Jeremy Tyler also showed above average athleticism for a player his size, with a 12-foot max vert reach and a very nice score in the agility test. Tyler has major potential due to his tremendous length and athleticism. Tristan Thompson is another player with great length and potential, and his athleticism has to make him a possible lottery pick. Justin Harper tied Derrick Williams with 19 reps on the bench press, showing top end strength. Kenneth Faried also showed nice speed and hops, we all know he uses them for grabbing a lot of boards and his pesky defense. While not blowing people away with his speed, Greg Smith had nice ups and 17 lifts. The biggest hands in the draft and his being built like a tank should help this post hopefully be picked. Jon Leuer also had to be a pleasant surprise, posting nice agility, a strong vert for his size and 17 lifts as well. Leuer seemed to be really helped by the combine, measuring an inch taller than many thought and than showing he was a pretty nice athlete to boot.

Finally, Malcolm Thomas really put up some major numbers as well. Kawhi Leonard’s SDSU teammate is definitely a sleeper and a big time athlete. Well, they are great players: Darius Morris, despite his major size advantage over most guards, did not exactly blow people away with his athleticism. Chandler Parsons showed something to be desired in the bench press, only lifting 4 and Kyle Singler posted a combine low 23 inch standing vert. The combine also definitely was not incredibly beneficial to either Trey Thompkins or Jamie Skeen. Thompkins had a combine high 15.5% body fat, and also was not really incredibly athletic, though no one really expected him to be. Skeen meanwhile was one of the slowest timed players at the combine; posting combine lows amongst his position in the speed tests. Jordan Williams also was not exactly a great athlete, though no one really expected him to be. Also, Nikola Vucevic showed a lot to be desired as an athlete, though his length and skill set should still make him a top pick.

Bottom Line Combine results are not the end all be all for a prospects position in the draft. While some results may be positive or negative to a prospect's stock, they usually are somewhere around where we thought they were. Not only that, but it is a single workout and is not exactly congruent with what these players do on the court. So, while these numbers may surprise us, they should not be taken out of context as to the way a player has played before this combine. How one uses these gifts in size, length or athleticism on the basketball court is much more important than in these combines, and these numbers are not an exact science. These results show that this draft has a number of great athletes, whether they become great NBA players, as well, will take much more than a combine to prove.

Well I really liked this article, hope you all enjoy , too. Im really starting to like Josh Selby with numbers like that and an undeniably high upside. JaJuan showed some really good strength and Jimmer probably just guaranteed going to Utah, if there was any question before. Well, look forward to the community's thoughts and perspective.

Well, Ive recently had an epiphany and I now know my ideal offseason for the Pacers (realisticaly that is), so I

thought Id share it and see what everyone thought. First of all, I would trade Danny Granger, James Posey,

and a future conditional 1st rounder for Atl Hawks Josh Smith and Marvin Williams or something similar for

Derrick Williams presumably at the #2 pick and probably Michael Beasley. Next, I would draft Jimmer at #15

( I think he'll be there). I would also buy a late 1st or an early 2nd to use on Shelvin Mack. Then, I would

draft someone like Greg Smith with our 2nd rounder. Also, I would re-sign JMAC and Foster, then ideally pick

up Marcus Thorton to replace DGs offense and move George to the 3. If we did that I think we'd be a

tremendous team.

 

Potential Lineup:

(age)

1st String 2nd String 3rd String

C Roy Hibbert (24), Jeff Foster (34), Greg Smith (20)

PF Josh Smith (25), Tyler Hansbrough (25), Josh McRoberts (24)

SF Paul George (20), Marvin Williams (24), Brandon Rush (25)

SG Marcus Thorton (23), Jimmer Fredette (22), Dahntay Jones (30)

PG Darren Collison (25), Shelvin Mack (21), Lance Stephenson(20)

Poll

Which trade would you prefer?

41%

Danny Granger, James Posey, future conditional 1st for Josh Smith and Marvin Williams

23 votes

58%

Danny Granger, James Poesy for Derrick Williams and Michael Beasley

33 votes

56 votes | Poll has closed

Well I was going to do a post on possible draft picks and who we should take at 15, but I was reading the Wizards blog and the consenus seemed to be if they get the 4th pick or lower they'd be interested in shipping maybe that pick plus a young talent for an established starter. Well as you can imagine I thought of our star and the conondrum he poses. As I am not %100 for shipping Granger out, and I think he had a very good playoffs, but that might have given him enough value amongst other teams to make it worth considering. That being said I was thinking ideally we would trade Granger, Rush, ( who I think is a very good role player, prolly as good if not better than anyone the Wiz would draft at 18, and would be great getting dimes from Wall for open threes which he shoots %40) for the Wizards pick ( 4th or 5th), Jordan Crawford and their 18th pick in this years draft. The Wizards would get an Allstar especially playing with Wall and a important young piece/ starter. The Pacers open up the wing rotation and allow to make a huge impact in the draft and for a long time with most of a really good 8th seed plus three very high to mid round draft picks. Not to mention a low salary cap with tons more potential and flexibility. So what do you guys think would you trade DG for something like this?

A draft would look something like we'd prolly have to draft Biyombo with the 4th or 5th pick if we wanted him with whichever pick we got. With the 15th pick maybe a 6' 10" PF/SF 225lbs Marcus Moriis who reminds a lot of Al Harrington play wise maybe tougher. At 18 maybe a guy like Klay Thompson who is almost as good if not as good a shooter as Jimmer and is 6'6" or we could go crazy here and take a swing at guys like Lucas Nogueira or Kenneth Faried. 2nd round, pick up the 6'10" 250 guy from Fresno St. Greg Smith or Shelvin Mack if we could get him here.

Potentially we could have a lineup like:

Hibbert starting at C hopefully finally fulfilling potential with Biyombo getting min. at PF and C bringing tremendous athleticism and potential game changing defense, blocks and rebounds.

Hans would prolly get the start at PF as a spread type 4 maybe not jackin 3s though with Biyombo and Morris getting minutes here as well. Plus, Greg Smith and our foreigners across the pond evolving into potential contributors in the frontcourt.

Paul George would slide over to his natural spot at three and I believe he can be a game changing all star eventually. Morris would get minutes here when we went to a big lineup and D.Jones would still be on the team if needed, as well as James Posey.

Jordan Crawford who can get his shot whenever he wants and likens to a more athletic though smaller Jamal Crawford would get the start with Klay Thompson coming off the bench. Lance who Bird really likes can play sg/pg type hybrid plus we still have D. Jones if needed.

Darren Collison who I was a big proponent of trading for last summer would get the start and I would hope he lives up to the potential we all know he has, which he showed glimpses of in the playoffs. A.J. Price who has a mean shot when on, will need to be addressed with Stephenson or future draft pick eventually though.

This would be a great young unit and all in all seems to me like potentially at least an 5-8th seed next year with much greater potential to be a champion than our current roster for a long time to come. Now this might not be the route we go, but we need to take this offseason and every offseason with great care to make the necessary changes to be a champion. We have many options whether its trades, drafts, or free agency. We can make a huge difference now and I hope Larry comes back, because that means the Simons want to win a championship and take advantage of a once in a generation opportunity. I for one hope the Pacers are great again for me and my kids to enjoy like I did with my Dad.

Poll

Would you trade Danny for the Wiz 1st rd pick (4th or 5th overall) and Jordan Crawford?

28%

yes

23 votes

31%

no , but I would trade DG and Rush for both the the Wiz 1sts and Crawford

26 votes

40%

no, but I would do this trade.... (explain in comments)

33 votes

82 votes | Poll has closed

The Playoffs are coming and I hope all that can, will show up when the time comes.

That being said, the gambler in me has us not winning a championship this year. So how do we get there? Myself and others have speculated on potential Big name FA pickups like ZBO and West.  I think Nathan said something like small ball earlier when it comes to Free Agency and I think he is right.  Also, now that I have thought more about it and seen the progression of our team,  I think we have a great young core to build on.  To win a championship though, we will need to draft great the next couple years and sign expiring contracts wisely and frugaly.

When it comes to this draft many have said its not a deep talent draft.  To an extent they are right, but I think it's more that there is not a clear cut number one that gives it that stigma.  It might not have headline grabbing names, but I believe it's deeper in  project players with high potential and theres not as much difference from 18th to 30th. in  my opinion. 

Nbadraft.net has us projected picking 15th and 45th, selecting Terrence Jones, a 6-8 244 SF Freshman from Kentucky and LaceDarrius Dunn a 6-4 200 SR SG from Baylor.  They also have Tristan Thompson  PF Texas going 16th to New York Knickerbockers.  If we got two out of three of those at our spot I think that is a great draft.  I really like T. Jones and think he could be the steal of the draft, though I also really like Kenneth Faried.  If Faried's draft stock didn't rise so much I would say trade down with the Bulls for their two picks and draft Jajuan Johnson and Faried.  If we don't have a wow pick at 15 though or if the best players available are at positions we don't need,  then we might consider some kind of trade down and yes Granger fans we should be shopping him and our pick for potential trade with Cleveland or someone like.   I think Cleveland would do it to mix another veteran with Baron, who I beleive they have for a couple more years, and I think Gilbert really wants to win before Lebron. LOL

As far as our cap space and free agents,  like I said before I like the "small ball" idea.  I think we try to resign Jmac and Fiesty for equally beneficial contracts within reason.  Possibly 1 to 2 mil. a year per for as long as we can lock Jmac up cheap for and for as long as we think Foster will last. I think we can resign them, but I am sure you might say we would still be thin up front.  You 'd be right, but even if we sign ZBO and he plays lights out, we would still probably not win a title next year.  Instead we should continue to gel and continue to get better, get another year under our belts in the playoffs, and draft a big man the following year.

 I say we don't spend anymore money on FA and just bank the money.  I say this for a couple reasons.  One,  we should have enough money to absorb a big time player with a bigtime contract if the opportunitty arises.  Even if its a one year rental of Dwight Howard, without giving up anything really, with the potential to woo him or said upcoming Free Agent.  Next,  it would stabilize the team, build continuity while helping the Pacers pay back the city and be able to spend when the need comes to truly contend.  Also,  obviously we wanna be able to resign our talent when their contracts are due. 

If we stick with our guns and don't jump to soon, which we have fortunately not done.  Then,  we should be able to build a truly deep and talented team that could contend for years and keep reloading as talent ages. As long as we continue drafting well and don't have anymore Austin Croshere contracts.  (Overpaying a mediocre player that another team really wants like the Lakers)  Also, none of this means dick if we don't get a great coach (Adelman) to LEAD us.  Though I really like Frank Vogel and hope he surprises me.  So I hope we upset the Bulls or whoever in the first round, but even if we don't, it's been a fun year. 

GO PACERS!

 

What I would like to see as next year's Lineup:

Starters:                                               Bench:           

Darren Collison                                 AJ Price, Lance Stephenson,

Paul George                                       Brandon Rush, Dauntay Jones, Lace Darrius Dunn  

Danny Granger                                  Terrence Jones, James Posey

Tyler Hansbrough                             Josh Mcroberts,  MATT HOWARD

Roy Hibbert                                        Jeff Foster

Fran Blinebury

  Rick Adelman hasn't been offered a contract extension despite Houston's playoff-contending season. Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images Always-solid Adelman lacks vote of confidence from Rockets

Fran Blinebury takes a deep look at Rick Adelman's situation as coach of the Houston Rockets. The Rockets have been slow to extend Adelman's contract leaving the assumption he won't be brought back next season. So that puts Adelman's name in play for any open NBA jobs next year, including coaching the Indiana Pacers. 

Adelman sounds frustrated with the situation considering how the Rockets have responded through plenty of roster changes and injuries.

 

With a contract that's expiring, the Rockets have not offered Adelman an extension like the ones given to Nate McMillan in Portland and George Karl in Denver. He's been told they'll get back to him at the end of the season, hardly an endorsement.

"Surprised? Yeah, I think I am," Adelman said. "I think we've done a really good job. I don't know what else they want us to do when you lose your two best players and you make the changes we've made."

In the past two seasons, the Rockets have had 30 different players on their roster. When forward Luis Scola was sidelined recently for five games due to injury, they used a starting lineup that had 15 total years of NBA experience. Yet, Houston continued to gain ground in the West standings.

"I think we've kept them going and we've kept them believing and if you looked at the situation realistically, I think you've got to say we've done a good job," Adelman said.

So what do you think about the possibility of Adelman coaching the Pacers?

Poll

Hire Rick Adelman?

66%

yay

45 votes

33%

nay

23 votes

68 votes | Poll has closed

Man I am really glad I found this site.  I have really enjoyed it.  I find myself checking it at least once or twice a day, whether I comment or not.  My Girlfriends always on me about hogging the computer. LOL  I remember the DC trade, pulling up IC and jumping with joy when something I ve been blogging all summer happens like that.  It was very exciting and only furthered my addiction. 

Anyways, I have made a suggestion or two that most recently IAN LEVY has been kind enough to put together for us.  So first I 'd like to say thanks to Tom, Ian and the crew.  Then, I would like to throw a couple more suggestions out there hoping they stick.

 

1)  I have been on poasting and toasting a couple times along with a cpl other sites, and they throw a get together at a local pub or whatnot for a viewing party for members.  Im jealous and I think that would be fun and we could put faces to names and share some more of our Pacer love.  If need help with locales and logistics, I know some bar owners that would give us special pricing on food and beverages and I am sure there are other members with better connections and/or ideas for venues.

 

2)I know it's early, but if any of you guys have some free time and could put together a list of free agents, what advanced stats say about them, how well they'd fit with us and maybe projected salaies it would take to acquire.  Maybe , rank em or put your ideas on what we should do in the offseason.  I'm sure you guys could come up with something great to organize our scattered thoughts and opinions.  Yeah, we should be in the here and now, but its always fun playing the what if.... and looking forward to a return to prominence.

 

Thank you for your time and I hope you guys, the IC crew, can put this together for me/us.  If not thanks for consideration and thanks for all you do.

Poll

Should we have a playoff viewing party somewhere local and get some of our members together?

88%

yes

54 votes

11%

no

7 votes

61 votes | Poll has closed

 
Danny Granger is a great player to have, and is the defacto leader of our team.  That being said he is not a superstar, top tier talent, that is gonna take a team to the finals as the #1 guy.  I love Danny as a player and a Pacer, but maybe some of the haters have a point.  Maybe we should trade Granger for maybe Derrick Favors and this years first round pick from NJ.( maybe more)  We would get a potential top talent PF who can do everything we need and will continue to get better. This wouldn't be a possibility until last minute before trade deadline, but a possible last minute Plan B for NJ if Carmelo won't sign an extension.  The pick we would receive would likely be a top 10 pick, we could potentialy turn into another very good player, making us young with tons of potential.  Currently, this team is not gonna be a contender for at least two - three years and Danny is not exactly a spring chicken, trading him  could make us better suited to seriously contend for a championship when the time comes.  The point being trading DG for multiple young talents and assets could be a very good option for this team longterm.

 Another possibilty I would look into is maybe trade TJ Ford and our 1st round pick (maybe more) for Derrick Favors.  It would give NJ another 1st round pick and an expiring to help with any potential Carmelo deals. 

 We need to be active in trade talks, our second highest need next to a new coach is another PF.  However we do it, we need to keep this thing going the right way.  There is not that many, if any real good FAs  truly gonna be available this summer,  we need to build through trades and the draft.  We need to figure out how we are gonna get more good young talent in here, because right now even with a good coach we are not contending for a title this year or next. 

Poll

Should we entertain trade talks on Danny Granger?

68%

yes

46 votes

31%

no

21 votes

67 votes | Poll has closed

Our Indiana Pacers will finish the season with a .500 record more than likely.  The second half of the season is definitely lighter than the first half for us and we are probably lucky to have the record we have considering some of the teams we have had to beat to be here.  Currently I beleive we are 7th in the East and will probably be there at the end of the year.  For a lot of Indycornrows nation we had exceeded expectations so now that we are in such a funk that is obviously due at least in part to a lacking system, gameplan and coach the outcry is amplified.  For one reason most of us know as we are currently constructed from head coach down, we will be lucky to win one game in the first round.  If we have made it that far without having a total disconnect of players and coach.

So what do we do?  I like firing the coach even if we just promote an assistant in the interim.  Also, we need another post scorer preferably who can rebound and play D at the 4 in my opinion to at least get this team playing a little more enjoyable to watch.  Carl Landry has been said to be on the block, Id like to trade Dunleavy or TJ maybe second rounder for him.  I know he's been talked about before and has had his rebounding and D questioned, but hes a rent to own so it could help us this year be more consistent, with a n option to resign him at the end of the year.  Maybe you all have a better idea for how we should proceed.  So what say you, what is our best course of action from here on?

 

If you do like the fire coach idea someone started a fire JOB facebook page.

Poll

Should we fire JOB before the end of the year?

90%

yes, he's and idiot for not playing our lottery picks and is killing our chemistry/confidence

46 votes

3%

no, as bad as he is it'd be worse to change mid-season we can do it in the off

2 votes

5%

no, we cant afford to

3 votes

51 votes | Poll has closed

I ve heard some rumblings about the Bobcats possibly shopping Gerald Wallace and Stephen Jackson, especially if the seasons lost by the deadline.  If the Bobcats would be happy with a salary cut and some draft pics, do you think it would be a good trade?  Pacers trade Duns, Ford, Rush and j mac plus our next two first round picks.  We get Jackson and Wallace.  Starting Lineup  Collison/Jackson/Granger/ Wallace/Hibbert, bench Price/jones/george/hans/solo and wed still have Foster and Stephenson, maybe pick up Rolle.  What do you guys think?  Would it be a good trade?  I think that'd be a very good team on both sides of the ball.

Who am I jokin, one of the best games you'll see from any team this year.  Great all around effort from the team.  Everyone looked great and I'm sure Bird is sittin back puffin a cigar and havin a brandy after Rush comes back strong and all his draft picks playing very well.  Hope they keep justifying our faith in them.  As for the game, LOVED IT!!!!  Though the commentators had a point and we did give up 110 points. We also let up at the end losing the fourth quarter.  Though it didn't make a difference in this game, I would like to see a killer instinct from the team, which means not getting comfortable when we have a big lead.  That's the easiest way to lose a big lead, especially later in the season when teams are more vested in the game.  Yeah it's nitpicking, but toughness period let alone mental toughness, is something this team must have if they are going to live up to our now higher than ever expectations.  They better not tease us with this show of greatness and fall back into a funk at the first show of adversity.  Loved the game and the passion, let's keep working and improving and we can look forward to a trip back to the playoffs.

Assuming guys like Dunleavy keep producing like they did in this game and McRoberts and Hansbrough play like they have been, do we need another PF?  Would we or should we trade a Dunleavy (thats producing at a high level) for just a soso PF or a late first rounder?.  Or would we wanna keep him for a playoff run?  I think we all agree about trading Ford for hopefully a late first rounder, but if this team somehow keeps playing remotely like they did tonight against the Nuggets, do we make a major trade?  Or do we ride out the year and try to sign an impact player next year and keep salary to resign our young guys?

The Indiana Pacers used to be the pride of Indiana.  They were some of my best childhood memories watchin' them with my father as a youngster in the 90's.  Maybe that's why I'm a huge homer, and don't believe in being a bandwagon jumper.  God knows I've been surrounded by enough Bulls and Patriot fans to make me puke.  I always try to tow the line, even when I was really upset when they drafted Paul George, I calmed down and tried to look positive on it.  Low and behold I am actually really excited about it now.  Maybe that's the reason I have faith Rush and Hans will reach there potential.  Overall, now that I have seen where we have been headed the last couple years, I am really excited, we have made some really good moves.  We have a really well rounded team and with the addition of a couple key pieces and a good coach, this will be a team that can run wih anybody. 

Now though it seems everyone has forgotten the great things this team has brought to this city.  With the Brawl, the legal problems, the win// losses, and the Colts, I can understand fans frustrations, I've been as frustrated as anyone.  There is no reason to flip out over infractions against guys like Rush though.  (I'm not touching the stevenson's thing) We need to quit tryin to be like these beat writers, trying to tear down our team to sell some newspapers.   Let's give these guys the benefit of the doubt and support our team.  We have become some of the worst fans around and it is time we make our choice, are we gonna be true fans or are we gonna be Heat fans?

 

Go Pacers!!

 

Sincerely ,

The Ramblin' Man

Well, I think I have an idea for a really good trade for all involved, and if not I love reading the opinions, so it's a win - win.  You can view the trade at http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=286egvd 

Here is the trade.

 

Pacers get:  Josh Smith

Atlanta gets: Solo jones, Jeff Foster, Corey Brewer from Minnesota and Minn. 1st round pick

Golden State gets: D. Jones, TJ Ford, and the Pacers 1st round pick

Minnesota gets: Monta Ellis

I think this works out for all teams.  Indiana besides the obvious, opens up PT for George at SF and SG, saves us money this year and allows us to sign Rolle. Actually I think it puts us way under the cap this year with plenty of flexibility.

Atlanta gets cap relief to resign Horford, at least one quality center, a decent SG and whats more than likely a lottery draft pick. Throw in second rounder from pacers or twolves if need be.

Golden State gets an almost $ 9 mil expiring contract who is a quality backup,  they wanna get rid of Ellis anyway,  a quality starting SG who would fit in nicely. They also get our 1st round pick and if need be 2nd rounder from us or twolves

Minnesota gets:  Monta Ellis a 25ppg young core player who fills their biggest current weakness, SG. 

 

I think the trade would work from all sides, obviously if Bird could pull off another masterpiece 4 team trade along these lines it would be an amazing thing.  What do you guys think?  Could it work? What would you change?  What in your opinion would be needed to make this happen?  Beyond a miracle. LOL  Beat you to it infinity. LOL

TIME TO SHOW THE LOVE AND BUY SOME TICKETS.  Lets show our support and get our butts back in the seats.   We can assume that we will get Horford or make a good trade for a big time PF.  Shooting guard is set with Rush, George and or Stephenson.   This team is really looking good and coming together nicely.  We should be getting at least another draft pick or two and this teams looking good for quite a while to come.   Way to go Bird,  I knew you would do it.  Glad to see it happen so soon.  We need to show our support now and rally around this young team giving them confidence and support.   Not to mention money flowing so we don't lose our good players to FA because our team cant afford to keep them.  GO PACERS, GO BIRD, BOOM BABY!!!!!!!!!!! 

I have been on this site for a little while now.  I really like it.  It's given me my sports fix on a nightly basis.  Though I get irritated when other people have different (sometimes asinine,lol) opinions. just kidding. It keeps it interesting though, variety is the spice of life.  Recently I have come to a realization, that none of us really know what we want from this Pacers team.  One minute someone says they want the team to tank the season, then they are on another post acting like we need to add this critical piece or start our trade bait like we are gonna contend for a title or at least a playoff spot.  I am gonna put a poll on here that I hope each person answers ONCE truthfully and then maybe post a comment on why they voted this way and how it benefits us and/or why you feel this way(and for the ever optimistic why you think it's possible).   I hope to hear from some of the guys who posts I have come to enjoy and some new ones I haven't had the pleasure of reading opinions from.  Don't be afraid to get ridiculed , I'm not, so put down what you really think and I look forward to reading it.

Poll

What do we want from this year's Pacers?

33%

Top 5 draft pick

34 votes

2%

Mid- Late Lottery draft pick

3 votes

2%

Just miss the playoffs

3 votes

42%

6-8 seed

43 votes

5%

4-5 seed

6 votes

1%

1-3 seed

2 votes

10%

NBA Championship, Haters!!

11 votes

102 votes | Poll has closed

         Alright, we've all discussed many trades that we think could help us at PG.  I could write a three page story on who and why or why not these trades would be good for us.   So I was sitting here and I had an idea I think fits in a lot of arguments for dumping contracts, the season and giving young guys a chance to play.  Additionally it gives us a chance to potentially having a starting PG the next four + years who could be a perfect fit.  Also, it adds two good guys at PF, all of which have 1 year remaining on there contracts giving us a chance to evaluate and keep or dump them at the end of the season.   This trade in my opinion is very do able and has low risk, high reward potential. Concluding,  I believe this trade gives us tremendous flexibilty and the chance to have two or more core young guys added to our team that can help us now and in the future,  and if it hurts us this year we get a good draft pick and it should help us in the future;  and at least we can drop them if we don't like them.  If we do good it'll be because our young guys played good and developed their skills.   So here it is tell me what you guys think.

 

Indiana gets:  Eric Maynor, a potential starter for years to come.  D.J White, if he stays healthy is a good rebounder that can play defense and be a young core guy( for you PER guys his is 25.9, higher than anyone on our team).  Nick Collison,  good role player who's contract is up at end of year we can either use in another trade or sign/ dump at the end of the year.  1st round pick if we can get it.

 

Oklahoma City gets:  Troy Murphy, A.J Price ( a good backup), and Josh McRoberts( IDK).  Troy Murphy gives them rebounding (something they need) and another scoring option that can spread the floor for their athletes.

 

Trade machine has this decreasing our wins by 5 which considering we are projecting in the bottom 5 by alot of sports websites,  I'm alright with it,  we can potentially get a really good draft pick finally and another role player with OKCs draft pick if we can get it.  It gives our young guys  a chance to play and see where we are talent wise without disrupting the big picture.  OKC is projected +2 wins and I think they'd welcome a Troy Murphy.
 

If this keeps us from making the 8th seed, who cares if it helps us long term to be a contender.

Who is our coach of the Future?  I'm sure most of us agree JOB is not the long term answer. 

So who is? 

I'd love to get Larry Brown back, but obviously thats probably not gonna happen. 

So who then? 

Cleveland's old coach maybe?  An up and coming Asst., but that seems like a work in progress type of thing?  College coach? Kelvin Sampson, Pitino, Calipari?  Or  is there an obvious answer?  

Maybe, just Maybe.  Mark Jackson or Reggie Miller? I don't know,  what do you think?  Who is gonna be the leader that brings this team to the level we need to be? Obiously it's not gonna be till JOBs contracts up so how about Van Gundy? 

 Love to hear your ideas.  Heres to hoping. 

I ve read this crap they pass off as well whatever they call it (worst Gm rankings), but do you guys like or dislike Bird.  Even if i subscribed to the theory that Birds been making the decisions since 2003 and is solely responsible  I still cant say hes done a bad a job.  He's gotten rid of bad apples and over paid past there prime players, though I can't say I was thrilled with the Ron Artest trade and handling there of, and he hasnt folded to pressure to just make a deal to make a deal. We are now in a great position with really good young talent,  trade bait galore and at worst plenty of upcoming cap space.  Also, I looked back at draft history and he's done a tremendous job.  Yeah shawne williams didnt pan out but at 17 he was the best available w good upside being just a freshman.  I think you could look back and say we coulda got this or that guy but they were 2nd round surprises that NOONE saw turning into what they are (ie. monta ellis and trevor Ariza)  I really like what he has done and have tremendous faith we are heading in the right direction.   I highly dought very many if any GMs coulda done much better.

What do you guys think?

Poll

How has Bird done as GM?

5%

Great

4 votes

24%

Good

18 votes

28%

Average

21 votes

26%

Not good

20 votes

16%

Horrible, cant wait till hes gone

12 votes

75 votes | Poll has closed

Why havent we traded murphy and maybe dunleavy or ford or tinsley  and or draft picks for collison and okafor. ?  collison a potential star and okafor a bruiser who can play defense and rebound.  This would make us a very tough team to beat that can score AND play defense.  Lets get it done or bring in  an allstar like Arenas.  Lets get away from  mediocre players.  Add some depth and talent instead.  Sprinkle in draft picks if need be.  Mid round picks  like we have had for 20 yrs is not gonna get it done.  We have a great young core w granger hibbert george hansborough stephenson etc.  The right move could put us in contention and give us something to watch.  PLEASE!!!!!  I miss my team.  We are not going to get melo lets use these expiring New orleans wants to save money and murph would give them an nside out threat that stojakovic used to.