The Indiana Pacers are going to be ready to rock and roll when the NBA resumes
The Indiana Pacers were just getting ready to surge when the NBA season was unexpectedly put on hold due to concerns over the ongoing global pandemic.
Victor Oladipo was finally starting to look like himself again after spending his first 10 games or so getting back into a rhythm, more than a year removed from real games and joining a team that looked markedly different from last year’s squad.
Domantas Sabonis was finishing up the best year of his career and continuing to find ways to gel with his frontcourt partner in Myles Turner and with the second unit, where he spends a fair amount of his playing time.
With the sudden pause in play comes the feel of anxiety and stress. Without knowing exactly how things are going to proceed, it can be a stressful time to move forward as a team with a strong, unified mindset.
According to the team’s leadership, though, the culture has permeated each and every area of the organization, even through this tough time. The collective mindset isn’t scattered, it’s still directed toward the one common goal — compete.
In a recent digital media session, Pacers President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard gave some insight to the team’s mindset during the hiatus:
"“They want to prove that this team is a good team in the playoffs… They want to show that they’re a tough out,” Pritchard said. “We think we can make some noise in the playoffs.”"
Pritchard also provided a much-needed injury update on starting point guard Malcolm Brogdon. Not only has he made strides in his injury recovery, but he’s actually fully recovered and looking forward to spending more time with Victor Oladipo.
"“[Brogdon] was so looking forward to getting some games with Victor before the playoffs. Malcolm is so hungry.”"
Oladipo will certainly help Brogdon tremendously. The weight he’s had to carry thus far through the season has provided him with some really challenging shots, something that has held him back quite a bit from his desired shooting accuracy.
With Oladipo drawing the attention his way, it will surely provide Brogdon with more off-ball and catch-and-shoot opportunities to give him a less grueling and primary role in the offense.
On how exactly the season might look once it resumes, Pritchard didn’t speculate too much and mostly expressed trust in the league office and Adam Silver, deferring to the public timeline that has been laid out. For now, early May is the earliest a decision can even be made on what comes next.
Pritchard did express that he felt as if a buffer period will need to be in play to get the team back up to speed before jumping right into games, a mini training camp of sorts.
"“I don’t think it’s going to be one week and ‘let’s get back and play some games,’ I think they are going to give us a good amount of time, but I don’t think it’s going to be a week. I would say two or three weeks minimum, and then play some games. But we’re going to have to be cautious.”"
This is more or less in line with what has been reported from journalists documenting the path forward for the NBA.
A 25-day plan has been tossed out, with two weeks of team training following an 11-day one-on-one period of training for each player. That feels a bit rushed, but given the 2020-21 season would normally start in October, there may be a need to move quickly. Health should be and will be the primary focus, though.
As for what the team is doing now, Pritchard said they are gathering for an hour or so each week digitally just as many teams are to check in and see how things are going, continuing to push camaraderie. The training staff has been delivering home workout plans to players digitally as well.