The Indiana Pacers have some time on their hands while the season’s end is up in the air. Here are some questions they might consider pondering while they’re waiting for play to resume.
Along with the rest of the league, the Indiana Pacers are forced into a limbo state for the time being. Until we get more answers on what will happen with COVID-19, the NBA will be on hold. It appears that a June resume to play is the best case scenario for the league, and a cancelation is possible.
For now, all we can do is wait to see how things play out. With waiting comes time to sit around and ponder the future of the team this year and beyond.
Here are some questions the Pacers and fans might be thinking about in the coming weeks and months.
Can Indiana Pacers stay healthy?
The Pacers are not alone in this question. Very few NBA teams can get through a season without having to ponder this thought at some point. The Pacers, however, have had most of their storylines this season dominated by health.
Primarily, this was centered on star guard Victor Oladipo, the engine of the offense. Prior to his return in late January, Jeremy Lamb went down with a torn ACL and was ruled out for the remainder of the season.
Then, Malcolm Brogdon went down with an injury and was ruled week-to-week.
The starting lineup simply can not catch a break.
Whether it be this season resuming or next season, health is going to be a key storyline. Oladipo was getting back to full strength, will he need to get back in that rhythm again? Will the lingering knee soreness he’s had prove to be a larger issue? Can Brogdon make a return and if not can T.J. McConnell (who is historically robust) man the starting backcourt?
Next season, when will Lamb return?
The team will press on no matter the circumstance, but this is something to question during the hiatus.