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Fansided

3 potential outcomes of suspended season and how they impact the Pacers

By Josh Wilson

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 01: Indiana Pacers mascot Boomer takes the floor with several young fans during a timeout in the second half of a game against the New York Knicks at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on February 1, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Knicks defeated the Pacers 92-85. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 01: Indiana Pacers mascot Boomer takes the floor with several young fans during a timeout in the second half of a game against the New York Knicks at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on February 1, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Knicks defeated the Pacers 92-85. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Indiana Pacers (Photo by Takashi Aoyama/Getty Images) /

Season is canceled

This is the most disappointing outcome for everyone. No one wants this to be the way the season goes, but if it’s the safest option for the players and the fans, it just might be the best and most likely.

I wouldn’t suggest this is an imminent possibility, but Adam Silver has publicly mentioned that it’s on the table. It would surely be the worst-case scenario, but with COVID-19 concerns growing and issues stemming from it worsening across the globe, it might be a must.

The league also, as mentioned, would have to consider next season. Would it be more fruitful to cancel this year and come back on the normal schedule next year, full force? Perhaps that is the best option for long-term sustainability.

How would this impact the Pacers?

It would be a major bummer. The Pacers, while not seen as a top-tier threat in the Eastern Conference, are certainly not out of the equation as a team that could run at the Bucks for the Eastern Conference crown and the league title. Especially if the team had some time to adjust, acclimate, and finalize rotations, the Pacers could surprise a lot of fans and make a threatening run at the top of the East.

Long-term, the Pacers don’t have as much to lose from a canceled season as, say, the Bucks do. Milwaukee has been marred all year with discussions surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s free agency (which is still not until the summer of 2021, people!). Many speculate that they need to win a title to keep him satisfied. They miss out on a year and opportunity to do that where they looked particularly dominant and only have one final swing at the title before Giannis becomes a free agent.

Still, a lost season is a bummer for NBA fans everywhere. Even if the Pacers don’t make the Finals, there will be sure disappointment over not having a conclusion to what has been a fairly epic season so far.

Next. 4 Pacers playing the best season of their career. dark

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