A few weeks before the start of the regular season, DNA of Sports is carrying out its traditional presentation, franchise by franchise, of the upcoming NBA season. Like every year, this takes the form of a countdown, from the teams expected at the bottom of the ranking to our favorite for the champion title.
Today, we are interested in the Pacers, who have found smiles and hope with the arrival of Tyrese Haliburton, behind a good first part of the season. Before injuries began to derail its season, the Indianapolis club posted a surprising positive record (23 wins – 18 losses). The rest was more delicate, but Rick Carlisle can rely on these promises to build the future.
For the coach, the “training camp” will be particularly useful because many questions arise around this developing squad, firstly in relation to the major five.
Tyrese Haliburton And Myles Turner will be there for sure while Bruce Brown, recruited at a high price after his title with the Nuggets, should also integrate it. Upon his arrival, Rick Carlisle made no secret of it, explaining that the former Denver 6th man would undoubtedly play the “handyman” in his five.
This is because the Pacers must balance their rotations, to find harmony between attack and defense. Last year, Tyrese Haliburton led the Indianapolis offense to an incredible pace, with the 5th pace in the league (101.7 possessions per game) and the most points scored on fast break per game. match (27.0).
Very effective in these situations (4th in the league with 1.18 points scored per counter-attack), the Pacers were however only the 21st attack overall, and it was therefore on placed plays that things creaked, with the 27th attack when the game slowed down. With Buddy Hield at the back and Obi Toppin as a power forward, the Pacers could continue to shine on fast play, but Rick Carlisle could favor other options, like Bennedict Mathurin, Aaron Nesmith on the wings, or the rookie Jarace Walker (8th choice of the last Draft) alongside Myles Turner. Always in this quest for balance which will be the key for the team.
Rick Carlisle will therefore have to tinker with his different options and combinations to find what works and eliminate what doesn’t work over time, with different obstacles to overcome, such as the extension of Buddy Hield or his transfer, which could allow to clarify the general situation a little.
SUMMER MOVEMENTS
Arrivals: Jarace Walker, Bruce Brown (Nuggets), Obi Toppin (Knicks)
Departures: Chris Duarte (Kings), Oshae Brissett (Celtics)
PLAYER TO FOLLOW: BRUCE BROWN
The season will obviously depend primarily on the contribution of Tyrese Haliburton. If the leader confirms his All-Star season, or even continues to progress, the Pacers can climb the Eastern hierarchy.
The impact of Myles Turner will also be one to watch but with his strange contract ($45 million over two years, only the first year being guaranteed), it is perhaps Bruce Brown who holds the keys to the season. Indianapolis. In Denver, the former Pistons and Nets proved that he was extremely useful, providing defensive liaison and doing all the little things that allow a team to win games.
“Glue guy” of the reigning champions coming off the bench, he will now be responsible for playing the same role in the major five of a team that is obviously less talented, and in which he will have to “exceed his previous functions”. If he succeeds, the entire Pacers machine will emerge stronger.
Average age: 24.8 years
Payroll: $139.6 million (26th)
THE IDEAL SCENARIO
Launched and vindictive after the World Cup with Team USA, Tyrese Haliburton established himself as the best passer in the entire NBA, continuing to lead Buddy Hield, Myles Turner and company at a hellish pace.
The Pacers are thus surprising more and more teams, especially since they now hold up much better on the other side of the field. With the contribution of Bruce Brown to hold the best opposing exteriors, the racket is no longer the sieve it was last season, Myles Turner having many fewer breaches to plug.
Obi Toppin revives in the rapid attack phases, but it is the rookie Jarace Walker who quickly becomes essential as his defensive impact is impressive. Enough to allow Indiana to climb among the itchy hairs of the East, and to fight for a direct qualification in the playoffs!
THE WORST SCENARIO
Tyrese Haliburton’s ankles forced him to quickly make several trips to the infirmary, the preparation and the World Cup with Team USA having left their mark. It is therefore the entire Indiana team which is struggling to find its rhythm, and which is especially struggling to find its balance on both sides of the field.
Not extended but not traded, Buddy Hield is mainly thinking about his next contract, while Bennedict Mathurin is also pushing to prove that he deserves the starting back position.
Bruce Brown fights but he has to fix too many things, as his limitations catch up with him. With Obi Toppin and company, the Pacers continue to show good things when they can run, but it is still just as sluggish on set play, and with a defense that is making little progress, even the “play-in” is difficult to get. .
| WESTERN CONFERENCE | ||||
| 15 – Blazers | 14 – Spurs | 13 – Rockets | 12 – Jazz | 11 – … |
| 10 – … | 9 – … | 8 – … | 7 – … | 6 – … |
| 5 – … | 4 – … | 3 – … | 2 – … | 1 – … |
| EAST CONFERENCE | ||||
| 15 – Hornets | 14 – Pistons | 13 – Wizards | 12 – Magic | 11 – Raptors |
| 10 – Bulls | 9 – Pacers | 8 – … | 7 – … | 6 – … |
| 5 – … | 4 – … | 3 – … | 2 – … | 1 – … |
