The Indiana Pacers had their Media Day on Monday, and while there weren’t too many surprises, there are several things to pay attention to.
The NBA is a 12-month league now (much to the chagrin of writers) but a more official start to the upcoming NBA year is each team’s media day. The Indiana Pacers are officially turning the page to the 2017-18 season on Monday with the usual shuffling of players and coaches in front of the media.
Most of it ends up being boilerplate statements we’ve probably heard all summer, but there are some things of note, even if they aren’t the most important news in the world. For starters, the Pacers are still planning on competing.
Nothing changed between now and the last time you heard from Kevin Pritchard. The Pacers aren’t tanking and actually feel pretty good about their chances in a talent-depleted Eastern Conference.
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With so many players heading west, the Pacers path to a playoff spot isn’t a daunting as one might expect. The Pacers have Myles Turner and Victor Oladipo surrounded by veterans — Thaddeus Young, Darren Collison, Lance Stephenson, Al Jefferson — and a number of talented younger players like Cory Joseph and Glenn Robinson III.
While there are plenty of questions about how that all will fit together and how many minutes they each deserve, those are players that can grind at least 30 wins this season. With the only a few teams seen as locks for the playoffs, there are four for five teams fighting for the seventh and eighth spot in the conference. On paper, the Pacers can fight and even claim one of those spots.
The Pacers don’t have to be great, or maybe even good to make the playoffs this season, so it isn’t just Media Day hubris talking.
Kevin Pritchard: “We want to be good, we don’t want to shallow out. We want to take this team and be competitive” pic.twitter.com/AdoGV5rKgc
— Shane Young (@YoungNBA) September 25, 2017
It is no surprise that Indiana isn’t going to tank — team owner Herb Simon is against it — and with that being the case it also isn’t a surprise that they are supportive of reforms to the NBA draft.
Pritchard says Pacers support the new draft proposal to diminish tanking. Says Simon supports it, too. "We want to compete. We want to win."
— Jon R. LaFollette (@JonLawFilet) September 25, 2017
At Pacers Media Day, Thad Youg just dropped a "trust the process" when describing the team's attitude for this season.
— Cameron (@ThatManCam) September 25, 2017
Not only are the confident, Oladipo said Lance Stephenson’s “Better Believe It” would be their soundtrack. More importantly, he teased the idea of a mixtape.
Asked Vic what song would be the soundtrack to the Pacers' season. Picked Lance's "Better Believe It." Says he'd do a mixtape with Lance.
— Jon R. LaFollette (@JonLawFilet) September 25, 2017
A bigger role for Thaddeus Young
The good news is Thaddeus Young says his wrist is back at 100 percent after having the summer to rehab. We saw the effect losing Young last season had on the Pacers last season. Even when Young returned to the lineup, he didn’t shoot 3-pointer as he had before the injury.
Indiana needs him at 100 percent if he plans on having a bigger role on the team this season. He knows as one of the veterans he must step up, but he reminded the media he isn’t that old.
Thad when asked about being one of the oldest players on the team: "I'm only 29, Jesus."
— Jon R. LaFollette (@JonLawFilet) September 25, 2017
Myles Turner and Darren Collison running the pick and roll
Darren Collison said he and DeMarcus Cousins ran the pick-and-roll well together and that it was something he and Myles Turner can replicate in Indiana. Collison complimented Turner’s ability to both attack the rim and left a shot off in those situations.
Darren Collison on how he and Myles Turner will work together, since he’s run a lot of PnR with Cousins: pic.twitter.com/f9FsfZvbBd
— Shane Young (@YoungNBA) September 25, 2017
Thinner Al Jefferson
I wrote this weekend why a slimmer, healthier Al Jefferson matters, but the Big Classic said the weight loss wasn’t just about basketball.
Al Jefferson said losing weight this time was also about his long-term health. Feels lighter on the court. His game remains the same. pic.twitter.com/OzqHZFNi8b
— Scott Agness (@ScottAgness) September 25, 2017
Donald Trump vs The NBA
While none of the Pacers said anything of substance to say about Donald Trump’s comments towards Stephen Curry and players who kneel during the National Anthem, some spoke out in support of the protests.
Al and Myles have been asked about Trump's comments. Neither said anything of substance. Mostly "It's a tough situation."
— Jon R. LaFollette (@JonLawFilet) September 25, 2017
Oladipo says he doesn't agree with Trump's comments, but respects everyone's right to speak their mind. Said he supports the NFL protests.
— Jon R. LaFollette (@JonLawFilet) September 25, 2017
Free-Lance Opportunities, and more shoe news
Lance Stephenson is wearing Kobe’s. He said he’s a free agent, in terms of a shoe deal. pic.twitter.com/hb8JDg4mvL
— Scott Agness (@ScottAgness) September 25, 2017
No love lost in the shoe game between former teammates. Myles and Thad both rocking PG-1s. pic.twitter.com/J8Qiy1ZI2D
— Jon R. LaFollette (@JonLawFilet) September 25, 2017
Next: Who are the breakout candidates for the Pacers?
The Pacers preseason gets underway on Oct. 4 when they head north to face the Milwaukee Bucks. They’ll stay on the road to face the Cleveland Cavaliers and Detriot Pistons before returning home to host Maccabi Haifa of the Israeli Premier League on Oct. 10.