SBNation.com User Blog: mickydeming

The big picture: The most positive Pacers' article you'll ever read

mickydeming — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 14:49:57 -0000

Before I got married, my wife-to-be and I were going through Bed Bath and Beyond and registering for gifts. I did my best to give input on our shower curtains, towels and bed sheets but ultimately let her make the decisions. I'm a believer in picking your battles.

But at one point in the day we did not see eye to eye. We had to register for a bathroom trash can, and she picked one out she liked.

I hated it.

I said it looked wretched and we needed a different bathroom trash can. She said, no we need to get this one because it goes with the color scheme we have going on in our bathroom. I said I didn't care about any color scheme because that trash can sucks. See, pick your battles.

But after a while of going back and forth I came to an important realization, and I apologize for the mushiness, but I realized the only reason we are able to have this argument is because we are about to get married. I couldn't have been more excited to marry her, and because of that great gift, we had the chance to have a stupid argument about a bathroom trash can. My frustration in the argument seemed pretty small compared to the excitement of getting married.

I still didn't want that trash can, but I needed to see the big picture and be grateful for what I had.

Now, what does that have to do with the Indiana Pacers?

Well, a lot. Everything.

But at one point in the day we did not see eye to eye. We had to register for a bathroom trash can, and she picked one out she liked.

I hated it.

I still didn't want that trash can, but I needed to see the big picture and be grateful for what I had.

Now, what does that have to do with the Indiana Pacers?

Well, a lot. Everything.

Beginning in the 2005-06 season, the Pacers' season records went like this: 35-47, 36-46, 36-46, 32-50, 37-45.

For five years the Pacers were the quintessence of mediocrity. There is nothing worse than that as a fan. Attendance was dismal and the team had no real hope. Larry Bird said there was a plan for the future, but nobody saw it.

All fans saw was a team that kept losing, but was actually good enough to finish somewhere around 9th in the conference. So they kept rolling out below average seasons and were never able to acquire or draft a top-shelf talent. People say attendance had to recover from the brawl, and that probably played a part, but who wants to watch that five year stretch play out with no end in sight?

But then somewhere in that 37-45 season, things changed. It really shifted when Frank Vogel came into town and said, "We're going to the playoffs." They did, with about as bad of a record as you can ever have and make the playoffs. But when they did, they got a chance to go toe-to-toe with the Bulls, who had the best record in the league.

And all of a sudden, a franchise was rejuvenated. They picked up George Hill and David West and said we are ready to compete with anyone. And then they did, and the string of mediocrity ended with a 42-24 record in a lockout-shortened season.

Now, I haven't told you anything new, but that is a snap shot of where this team has come from in a very short time. And the turnaround is truly incredible when you consider the Pacers steadily built without ever picking up that top-shelf talent.

Here's the point. During the playoffs we criticized Paul George for getting lost on screens. We lamented the bench getting obliterated so badly that whatever the starters did was always canceled out. This summer we speculated trades and possible movement that could make the team a title-contender. We second guessed when the team stayed silent on Steve Nash and Deron Williams.

When this season starts we will complain about player mistakes, coaching decisions and front office action or inaction. It's a guarantee. But when we do that, I think it would be beneficial for every Pacer fan to take a step back and say, "Wow, this is a pretty good place to be."

To even be having a conversation about what it takes to beat Miami would have seemed like an absolute joke two years ago. When we are complaining over the little things that are going wrong - that maybe push the Pacers from a 2 seed to a 3 or 4 seed - we are arguing over a bathroom trash can.

There's a wedding coming soon. There's a bigger picture. The Pacers are relevant again, and they are in the conversation as one of the best teams in the NBA. We always want more, but when we realize where the Pacers were, this is a pretty exciting place to be.

Let's argue. Let's debate. Let's complain.

But just make sure we appreciate what we have.

Season preview part 2: Improvement from within

mickydeming — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 15:09:54 -0000

Two phrases are used nearly every time someone talks about the Indiana Pacers for this coming season: "Improve within" and "Continuity."

As in, by keeping continuity together we can build on what we did last year and instead of improving by bringing in a big piece, we will improve from within. A cynic might say those phrases are a way of saying, "We didn't want to spend the money to get someone else in so we better be able to improve from within."

But the continuity concept may be credible.

As ESPN's John Hollinger pointed out recently, statistically the Pacers starting lineup was as good as any team's in the league last season, including Miami. That being said, the NBA is a league where if you stay the same you are getting worse, because everyone is looking to get better. That's why we hear about improving within, because the Pacers know they need to be better. So the question is, how much improvement is possible from within? What are the factors that have most room for progression in this team?

Two phrases are used nearly every time someone talks about the Indiana Pacers for this coming season: "Improve within" and "Continuity."

But the continuity concept may be credible.

Roy Hibbert

Even though last season was a bit of a breakthrough for the big fella, there were still stretches of the season where he didn't bring a lot to the table. Each year Hibbert has come into the new season with something added to his game. He has shown a great desire to grow and develop his skills.

Now, Hibbert has signed a huge contract, and will be entering his fifth NBA season and will turn 26 in a few months. The Pacers gave him that contract with the hopes that he is about to reach his peak - somewhere around a 15 points, 10 rebound average. Most importantly, the Pacers will lean on Hibbert to alter shots and control the paint defensively. If Hibbert takes that next step this season, the Pacers will be a better team.

David West

West is not one you think about with improving from within, because he has been the same player in the league for several years. But remember that West was playing himself into game shape early last season, and working himself into a rhythm after recovering from an ACL tear.

West is the Pacers' most reliable scoring option, and there were times in last season's playoffs where West commanded a double team because he couldn't be stopped one-on-one. Having a full training camp and now having his legs under him, West should be a better version of what he was to the Pacers last season.

Paul George

And here, Pacer fans, is the true measuring stick for improvement from within. While Hibbert and West can improve upon last season the improvements will likely be minimal because they have achieved a significant standard of their potential. George, on the other hand, has come nowhere near his potential. He's still young and pretty raw, and that's what makes this season intriguing.

When this season ends, George will either be a frustrating player for Pacer fans or the face of the franchise. It's the truth. Think about this. Even though Roy Hibbert got a max contract, he is best suited to control the paint defensively and provide a scoring presence around the rim. David West is best as a pick and pop player who you can throw the ball to and expect good things to happen. And Danny Granger is a catch and shoot player.

He is best suited to come off screens, not have the ball in his hands. What does all that mean? That the Pacers' current three best perimeter players have skill sets best suited for complementary roles. All three of them would work best if there was another guy on the team that defenses had to gear up to stop.

Most importantly, on the subject of improving from within, George could make a huge leap this season from last year. Despite growing in his reputation around the league, George was frustratingly inconsistent last year, and at times would completely disappear from games. If he can develop into a guy that scores 18 points per game, and fills up the stat sheet like a poor man's Scottie Pippen, the Pacers could be scary good.

Continuity

Which brings us back to the word of the season. The Pacers made the choice to believe in what they started last season. Especially because once George Hill became the point guard, their starters just weren't fun to play against.

The front office decided to bring back a team that should hit the ground running this season without any issues of chemistry or defining roles.

The only hope is that each player is a little, or a lot, better than they were last season.

Pacers training camp: Be optimistic, but realistic

mickydeming — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 23:46:30 -0000

[From the FanPosts, mickydemling offers some words of caution for Pacers fans heading into the season. -TL]

Some say I am a pessimist. I say I am a realist.

I am not pessimistic about the Pacers this season. In fact, I think Pacer fans have a ton to look forward to. Seeing the growth last season, the battle-testedness that came from the playoff experience you get the sense that the pride of this team will force them to continue to climb. But not many people are pessimistic about their favorite team on October 1.

The realist in me tries to examine holes in my optimism. This is why people call me pessimistic, because when everyone sees the reasons to be excited, I try to find ways that it could go wrong. (It's a miserable way to live).

The next time I write, I will look at the many valid reasons Pacer fans have to be optimistic. But today, I will break down a few holes and reasons for concern for this 2012-13 season that can't get started soon enough.

[From the FanPosts, mickydemling offers some words of caution for Pacers fans heading into the season. -TL]

Some say I am a pessimist. I say I am a realist.

Everything went right last year

Growth is the key word for the Pacers this season. When you bring back basically the exact team from the year before, and you didn't win the championship, the natural question is, “Why will the team be better?”

When I write about the team's I will point out several reasons I believe there will be internal growth individually and collectively from last year.

Having said that, the Pacers had a fortunate run last season. The main point being that they dealt with no significant injury in the season. Injuries are a pretty pointless subject to talk about because they can never be predicted. But it is worth mentioning that arguably the three most reliable players on the Pacers roster are a 32-year old power forward who recently had ACL surgery, a 7'2” center and a 29-year old who has had some knee issues.

The point is, injuries are a huge part of the NBA. Any successful run requires some luck. And the Pacers had plenty of luck last season. Just last season Derrick Rose went down and Dwight Howard had back surgery. Even the Heat nearly had their trip to the title wrecked by an injury to Chris Bosh. This team can grow, but it will require a repeat of the luck they had last year with the health of their roster.

Is the bench really better?

Pacer fans still have nightmares about playoff games where 10-point first quarter leads turn into 10-point second quarter deficits. The bench was bad. And the addition of Leandro Barbosa didn't help. One of the greatest reasons for optimism for the Pacers is the little secret of how elite the Pacers' starting 5 was once George Hill took over at point guard. So the front office made their explicit priority to bring back that starting 5 and then do whatever they could to improve the bench.

Out goes Darren Collison and in comes DJ Augustin. See you later Loouuu, and hello to Ian Mahinmi. Goodbye Dahntay Jones, welcome Gerald Green.

This is not how the moves went, but it works to help compare them side by side. The Pacers also chose not to bring back Barbosa and will likely give Lance Stephenson his minutes.

So the question Pacer fans is, “Are you more comfortable with a second unit of Augustin, Stephenson, Green, Hansbrough and Mahinmi than Collison, Barbosa, Jones, Hansbrough and Amundson?”

That will be a wait-and-see. Fans get excited about change and new faces, but the truth is none of the five players coming off the bench have proven much at the NBA level.

And the Pacers learned last season that bench production is nothing to take lightly.

Paul George

One last question to think about before you start making reservations for the NBA finals. Anytime you hear the Pacers talked about in the next few weeks leading up to the season, you will hear them mention something about Paul George reaching the next level.

George brings all the tools in the world to the table, and just makes you wonder what could happen. His growth is essential for the Pacers' growth because Hibbert, Granger, West and Hill are known entities – you know what you are going to get. With George will you get solid, active defense and rebounding and good spot-up shooting or will you get the emergence of an all-star? If it's the latter, watch out. But while he has given glimpses of that type of growth, they have only been glimpses, and it's hard to bank on a breakout performance from George.

The Pacers have their best team coming into training camp since 2005. They have a ton of reasons, but they just need to be kept in perspective.

Until tomorrow when I write the reasons to believe in the Pacers this year.

Where Are We Going? Summary of Pacers' Current Situation

mickydeming — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 15:09:31 -0000

Sometimes I decide I'm going out to eat, but have nothing specifically in mind. So I decide, "I'm just going to start driving around and hopefully something looks good." Do you ever do that?

I wonder if the Pacers are in a similar situation in building their team. For the first time in recent memory, the Pacers are in a pretty healthy situation with contracts, but do they know what they are doing with it?

Sometimes I decide I'm going out to eat, but have nothing specifically in mind. So I decide, "I'm just going to start driving around and hopefully something looks good." Do you ever do that?

Out With the Old

Rebuilding has been difficult because of big contracts to players who shouldn't be making as much as they are. Jermaine Oneal, then TJ Ford, Mike Dunleavy, etc. have limited the front office's options, because nobody is going to take a below average, often-injured player, who is owed 30 mil over the next 3 years.

Now we have options. We can finally truly rebuild. Ever since Artest assaulted the franchise, we have just traded bad contracts for other bad contracts, to try to clean out the mess. Oneal's titanic contract brought over TJ Ford, and Al Harrington and Stephen Jackson brought over Dunleavy and Murphy.

Now Murphy(12 mil), Dunleavy(10.5), and Ford(8.5) will come off the books next year, along with Jeff Foster(6.6) and even Jamaal Tinsley (5.5-yes we are still paying him). Which means we are essentially building from scratch.

What We Have

The players who seem to be in the Pacers' plans for the future are Granger, Hibbert, Hansbrough, and possibly Rush. I like those guys, and think they can all be pieces to a solid group, but for now I want to focus on Granger.

One of the main reasons I think we can be optimistic is that we have Danny locked up for the future as a piece to build around. People like to say that Danny isn't good enough to be a franchise player, or someone who you canbuild a title team around, but my question would be, "Who is?"

When you are a team like the Pacers, this is how you have to build a team. You can't let all your contracts expire then offer a max deal to LeBron or Wade, it just won't work here.

You have to find solid guys who are willing to be loyal to the franchise, sign them to a good deal and then build around them. This is exactly what Donnie Walsh did with the Reggie Miller era.

In With the New

So the question now is, where do we go from here? This is the part that is impossible to predict. Are we looking to trade our expiring contracts for draft picks? Are we trying to trade up? Trade down? Would we rather let our contracts expire and try to sign free agents next summer? Or would we rather deal them for veteran talent?

The hardest part about being a Pacers fan these last few years, is the absence of a defined plan. I know it isn't the organization's responsibility to let fans know exactly what is going on, but as a fan it is difficult to tell what we are trying to do.

Sometimes it feels like the front office doesn't know either. Like they are just driving around hungry, waiting for something to catch their attention.

Usually when I drive around not knowing where I am going to eat, nothing ends up sounding good, and I just go to Taco Bell.

The Pacers are in a position to make real, significant growth over the next year. They have more options than I can possibly list right now. Let's hope they have a plan, and let's hope they make the most of it.

http://pacersallday.com/

Lottery Night for the Pacers

mickydeming — Wed, 19 May 2010 16:44:47 -0000

Lottery Night for the Pacers

Danny's reaction said it all

The Need for Relevance

mickydeming — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:14:13 -0000

As a Pacer fan, the obvious highlight of my season was the ESPN 30 for 30 story on Reggie Miller vs the New York Knicks. I loved every second of the documentary. I thought it was put together very well, and the best part was all of the memories it brought back.

On the other hand it was bitter-sweet in some ways. The Pacers have been awful for the last few years, but I have still enjoyed the NBA and told myself, "It's OK that the Pacers aren't competitive because it is still great to watch all of these high profile teams go at it in the Playoffs."

But that was wrong. There is something incredible about living and dying with every point in an NBA Playoff series. And Pacer fans got to experience that excitement consistently from the mid 90's to the early 00's. Honestly, I took it for granted. And seeing those old games again, I remembered how much I hated the Knicks and how much I cared about how those games turned out. It reminded me that the Pacers used to matter. And I want that again so badly. I want our games to be meaningful; relevant. I want to sit at work all day and be thinking about what is going to happen in the game tonight.

Which brings us to the lottery. The Pacers haven't been a serious contender for the top pick in the lottery even though they've been bad. In fact, the last two years they finished 9th in the East, just out of the playoffs, and a long way from the top talent in the draft. To me, it seems silly to act like a top pick in the draft is the only way the team can get good, but a glance at the top of the league shows that you have to score big with a superstar or you will never be good.

The elite teams all have that elite talent player - and unless you get extremely lucky (Kobe Bryant) that player is going to come in the top 5 picks. Mostly all recent champions and current great teams have gotten a superstar at the top of the draft.

Cavs - Lebron #1

Magic - Howard #1

Denver - Carmelo #3

Spurs - Duncan #1

And it goes on. The Heat won the title on 2006 with Dwyane Wade (#5). The Thunder are getting all kinds of hype as an up and coming team, and are getting a ton of credit for building a young team. But their core is Durant (#2), Jeff Green (#5), Russel Westrbrook (#4), and James Harden (#3). You can't build a team like that when you are finishing 9th in the conference every year. You have to be bad. Real bad. And then you have to get your pick right.

In the NBA, which is a star's league, this is how you get good. And this is how there is hope for a Pacers fan. This is why I've been watching highlights of John Wall, Evan Turner, and Derrick Favors. Because we need a big time player to be relevant again.

And as a fans, we need our team to be relevant.