Official Indiana Pacers Thread

[WTF]

I have to admit, that since running with the Pacers in NBA 2K11, I've became a fan of the team. This team has some great pieces, and with the right moves, could make it to the playoffs and have a pretty good season.

Collison was a stellar pickup, for only losing Murphy. I was never a fan of Murphy, so I really like this pickup. Collison is a legit Starting PG,and wouldn't get his shine in NO behind Paul.

Granger and George/Stephenson could complete a great 1,2,3 duo. Not nearly as formidable as LBJ, Wade, filler, but still, a very nice trio.

Add to the mix a leaner and determined Roy Hibbert, and you have a very nice starting 4. I haven't really figured out the 4 slot just yet. I have McRoberts running the 4 right now, but not really too impressed with him. If the Pacers can trade Dhantay for a formidable PF, then this team could land a 6/7 seed in the East.

Granted, Stephenson hasn't set foot in Conseco due to his off the court problems, and they're battling injuries early in the preseason but started to look decent at the end. Look forward to meeting the Spurs and kicking off the season.

2K11 owner becoming a semi-fan.

[z Revis]

Re: Official Indiana Pacers Thread

Always nice to have other Pacers fans around. Hopefully you stick around. Not many Pacers fans here at OS aside from AuburnAlumni and RiderGH from what I know.

Anyway, I'm excited for this year. I LOVE the Collison pickup. Murphy was pretty good, but our problems were at PG. We haven't had that legit PG in a long time, even in the Reggie Miller days. I don't think we'll miss Murphy one bit.

The biggest thing I'm interested in this year is seeing how improved Hibbert is. He had an awesome game 1 against the Spurs with, IIRC, 33 points. 9 boards, and 3 blocks. We need that big man presence and of course the scoring never hurts. He's in his 3rd year. This should be the year that he makes that leap, if he ever does. I'm still skeptical, but he's a promising player and I'm hopeful he'll be able to fill that void.

One thing we have to be able to do is close out games. I've said it time and time again over the past 3 or so years. We're in virtually every game, regardless of the opponent, but every time the scoreboard hits the 4th quarter, we fall apart. And even if we manage to stay consistent throughout the 4th, we'll make key mistakes at the end of the game. That may just be something that will come with experience. A lot of youngsters on this team.

Overall, I'm excited for this year. Hopefully it'll be one that ends with a Playoff appearance. I don't care what we do if we get there, I just want us to get back there.

[HealyMonster]

Re: Official Indiana Pacers Thread

I with you revis, Id just like to be watching important games down the stretch/ a few playoff games. Im not greedy, at least with the pacers for now lol.

[HealyMonster]

Re: Official Indiana Pacers Thread

I have to admit, that since running with the Pacers in NBA 2K11, I've became a fan of the team. This team has some great pieces, and with the right moves, could make it to the playoffs and have a pretty good season.

Collison was a stellar pickup, for only losing Murphy. I was never a fan of Murphy, so I really like this pickup. Collison is a legit Starting PG,and wouldn't get his shine in NO behind Paul.

Granger and George/Stephenson could complete a great 1,2,3 duo. Not nearly as formidable as LBJ, Wade, filler, but still, a very nice trio.

Add to the mix a leaner and determined Roy Hibbert, and you have a very nice starting 4. I haven't really figured out the 4 slot just yet. I have McRoberts running the 4 right now, but not really too impressed with him. If the Pacers can trade Dhantay for a formidable PF, then this team could land a 6/7 seed in the East.

Granted, Stephenson hasn't set foot in Conseco due to his off the court problems, and they're battling injuries early in the preseason but started to look decent at the end. Look forward to meeting the Spurs and kicking off the season.

2K11 owner becoming a semi-fan.

who were you a fan of until now? or were you just a casual basketball fan and didnt really have a fave? Ill tell you now is the time to start following them, like you said they are an up and coming team with some pieces. Ive been a fan since prob 92-93 i was about 11-12 and was a Reggie Miller nut.

[WTF]

Re: Official Indiana Pacers Thread

I've been a Cavs fan since the late 80's, up until Game 3 of last years ECF. I can probably find the post where I quit if I look hard enough, haha. Watching the team quit, and not put forth an effort, I quit caring. Game 5 took the cake though. I'm still watching them, but was wanting a "fresh start". It's fun seeing a new team, and seeing what steps a young team can take.

My wife is from Indy, so she has a connection to the area. I told her I couldn't be a Pacer fan, but I started up an Association in 2k11, and starting getting to know the team and the players, and really like the way that they're set up. Some really nice youth, and some established guys in the league. I'm still not a Dunleavy fan, but I guess he'll suffice.

TJ Ford pulled it through last night. That fake pass layup in the final 2 minutes was nice. I like Ford, and what he brings to this team. He's the guy that I think can really keep this team focused and get that go ahead bucket that they need.

Granger played a great game last night, other than not using his head and committing the 6th foul. If he wants to take the next step, he has to be smarter than that.

Hibbert didn't have that dominant presence last night, but he still defended well. I'm gonna hate it when I don't have the Free Pass BB, and can't watch the team. I'll have to stream it online I guess.

Nice win though.

[cbhock]

Re: Official Indiana Pacers Thread

Always nice to have other Pacers fans around. Hopefully you stick around. Not many Pacers fans here at OS aside from AuburnAlumni and RiderGH from what I know.

Anyway, I'm excited for this year. I LOVE the Collison pickup. Murphy was pretty good, but our problems were at PG. We haven't had that legit PG in a long time, even in the Reggie Miller days. I don't think we'll miss Murphy one bit.

The biggest thing I'm interested in this year is seeing how improved Hibbert is. He had an awesome game 1 against the Spurs with, IIRC, 33 points. 9 boards, and 3 blocks. We need that big man presence and of course the scoring never hurts. He's in his 3rd year. This should be the year that he makes that leap, if he ever does. I'm still skeptical, but he's a promising player and I'm hopeful he'll be able to fill that void.

One thing we have to be able to do is close out games. I've said it time and time again over the past 3 or so years. We're in virtually every game, regardless of the opponent, but every time the scoreboard hits the 4th quarter, we fall apart. And even if we manage to stay consistent throughout the 4th, we'll make key mistakes at the end of the game. That may just be something that will come with experience. A lot of youngsters on this team.

Overall, I'm excited for this year. Hopefully it'll be one that ends with a Playoff appearance. I don't care what we do if we get there, I just want us to get back there.

Whoa, whoa, what about Mark Jackson? He played a great point guard for us. And I know he wasn't the greatest shooter in the world, but Vern Fleming was a pretty good point guard too in my opinion.

Having moved from Indy, I don't get to watch the Pacers much anymore, but damn if I didn't enjoy the Chuck person, then Reggie Miller teams. I don't know how old you are Z, but the Pacers used to be a lot of fun to follow.

[HealyMonster]

Awesome game tonight. Wish I could see the post game show, directive cuts it off right away. I am liking hansbrough. I would prefer him in over Solomon jones

[WTF]

Re: Official Indiana Pacers Thread

Hansbrough is a nice talent. That And 1 that he had last night was a big time spark, that got some momentum for the guys. He makes some dumb decisions sometimes, but he's still "getting it" and learning the ropes. He'll be a nice piece to the squad.

Collison
Granger
Hibbert
Hansbrough
George
Stephenson (if he develops a brain)

That's a very tight young nucleus... very talented. I know I'm missing some, but it's early here still, and I'm not awake yet.

TJ Ford continues to get the big bucket when needed... the bucket at the end of the 1st half built some momentum, the rainbow 3 in the 4th... All around asset.

Good game fellas.

[dunnyduns]

Re: Official Indiana Pacers Thread

Things are on track to be where most fans expected the team to be after 3 games. Had to beat the Bobcats and 76er's and stayed competitive on the road against the Spurs. For the Pacers to make the playoffs they have beat the teams they should beat and be competitive with the good teams and the Pacers have done that so far.

Paul George has a beautiful jumpshot. I'm really liking his game so far. Being able to shoot to go along with his athleticism gives him a very well rounded offensive game and he has the tools to be a good defender. I'm really excited about his future with the Pacers.

Also, nice to see Hansbrough get some playing time the last 2 games as he has helped in both wins. He really should have played vs. the Spurs but, I've grown tired of questioning some of the things Jim O'Brien does.

I'll also go on and say Roy Hibbert has a very good chance at making the all star team provided he stays healthy. 2 really good games and a huge 28 point 9 rebound game against the Spurs. He has really worked to make himself a better player each season and this season it should really pay off for him.

[WTF]

Re: Official Indiana Pacers Thread

That's the one thing that I don't like about the team, is Jim O'Brien. Granted, I'm sure you guys have been tired of him for quite some time. I've never liked him as a coach, and can't envision myself growing on him now.

Regardless... I think George is going to be a key part of the Pacers future, and I hope that he, Granger, and Hibbert can stay healthy. Will be fun watching them grow together.

[HealyMonster]

That's the one thing that I don't like about the team, is Jim O'Brien. Granted, I'm sure you guys have been tired of him for quite some time. I've never liked him as a coach, and can't envision myself growing on him now.

Regardless... I think George is going to be a key part of the Pacers future, and I hope that he, Granger, and Hibbert can stay healthy. Will be fun watching them grow together.

I don't really have a huge issue with job. Mainly because it's not like they under performed or something like basically even Larry bird going into last season was like we are not there yet.

Admittedly I've never played basketball. I've watched it a lot but I'm not qualified to say the guy does or doesn't know what he's doing. I'd like to see someone who knows b-ball to critique the plays the pacers run and the coaching.

[z Revis]

Re: Official Indiana Pacers Thread

Whoa, whoa, what about Mark Jackson? He played a great point guard for us. And I know he wasn't the greatest shooter in the world, but Vern Fleming was a pretty good point guard too in my opinion.

Having moved from Indy, I don't get to watch the Pacers much anymore, but damn if I didn't enjoy the Chuck person, then Reggie Miller teams. I don't know how old you are Z, but the Pacers used to be a lot of fun to follow.

Forgot about Mark, probably because I was too young back when he still played for us. I'm 21 BTW. Started following the team in the early 2000's.

Also, I'm in the same boat you are as far as getting to watch the Pacers. Moved away from Indy last summer and never get to watch them anymore. I'm hoping they make a big improvement this year so they'll be on National TV more often. Otherwise I may just have to purchase NBA League Pass.

Good win against the Sixers. Watched some of the highlights and that 3rd quarter was electric. We have Philly again on Wednesday.

As far as O'Brien, I don't know.. I like some of the things he does and injuries have hurt this team over and over again. I'm glad LB stuck with him for another year as a lot of unlucky stuff has happened. I'm iffy on him. I don't mind him as our coach. I will say that his system is one of the more fun systems to watch in the league.

[WTF]

Re: Official Indiana Pacers Thread

I will say this about O'Brien, and that is he is playing to this teams strength this year. The uptempo Pacers are a whole lot more fun to watch than a grind it out team. You will rarely see this Pacer team walk it up the floor, and that's the playstyle that fits the team to a T.

The one big thing that I think the team needs in a coach, is a "personality". I think the team would respond better to a more emotional coach. O'Brien has always been the guy who is always just there. Much like Mike Brown was for the Cavs. Doesn't really demand respect, and is content with anything. With this young of a nucleus, and not a lot of experience, the team needs 'that' guy that's going to push them. I just think they'd respond better.

I've never been a fan of his though. But at least he realizes that he has an uptempo team, and has made adjustments to his way of thinking. So for that, I give him a

[HealyMonster]

Re: Official Indiana Pacers Thread

Bad, Bad, game tonight. They missed a lot of shots. I mean I saw so many air balls it wasnt even funny. They were air balling layups. I dont know what happened but they didnt show up today. Gotta pick it back up next game.

[z Revis]

Re: Official Indiana Pacers Thread

Bad, Bad, game tonight. They missed a lot of shots. I mean I saw so many air balls it wasnt even funny. They were air balling layups. I dont know what happened but they didnt show up today. Gotta pick it back up next game.

Yep. Very ugly. This is exactly what I was afraid of; losing to teams we should beat. We did it last year and the year before on a regular basis, and then we'd go out and beat the Lakers or something. We have to be more consistent. Hopefully it doesn't continue.