“ We had an incredible journey for five or six weeks. We brought attention to Pacer Nation, to this group of young players. It was an incredible experience and we are grateful. We are disappointed but proud. » Thus expressed Rick Carlisle in mid-December, following his team's defeat against the Lakers in the final of the NBA tournament.
A memory that seems distant today, given the events that followed for his Pacers. This newly created competition only offered a taste of the playoffs for Tyrese Haliburton and his gang. Six months later, we can say that they have capitalized on this mid-season experience pretty damn well.
In the locker room last night, after this fourth defeat against the Celtics, Rick Carlisle wanted to thank his players for this season “ Magic “. “ Much has been accomplished. Our guys never wavered an inch or a millimeter, the level of combat was extraordinary “, qualifies the technician.
A fight which led them to qualify directly for the playoffs, while we imagined them going through the “play-in”. Then take out the Bucks (4-2), then the Knicks (4-3), to reach the conference final for the first time since 2014.
Become stronger
So much so that Rick Carlisle thinks that “ expectations will certainly be raised for next year. Which is a good thing, a very good thing. » These expectations will also depend on what happens in Indiana in the coming weeks.
In addition to the future of Pascal Siakam to manage, the Pacers will see several of their representatives at work on the Olympic stage. “ There will be challenges for our guys this summer, to all become better. All of us. There are some exciting things, Tyrese (Haliburton) is going to be on the Olympic team. […] I believe Dre Nembhard will be with the Canadian selection, Ben Mathurin will not be allowed to play, but he will be with the team. So it will be another great experience for these two young Canadians. »
A journalist then asked him about the possible summer progress of Tyrese Haliburton, whose statistical production in the playoffs had fallen slightly compared to the regular season, which seemed to annoy the coach. “ I have no concerns about his game. Tyrese is super young, he was unlucky with injuries. So this summer, he's going to focus a lot on, No. 1, getting healthy, No. 2, continuing to get stronger, getting stronger. », blurts Rick Carlisle.
The latter adds: “ We don't realize the price to pay to play 14 or 15 more matches, facing the highest level of competition. That’s something he can take, all of our guys can. Fitness and stamina are really important. »
