The Indiana Pacers should be optimistic about the upcoming season

The future may not be as grim as the Indiana Pacers are making it seem.

This has certainly been a whirlwind of an offseason for the Indiana Pacers from the very beginning. The team has made a change at head coach while also facing rumors of losing the core of the roster in some shape or form. I’m simply here to bring some optimism for the upcoming NBA season.

Sure, the Pacers may have some questions regarding the shape of the roster moving forward, but it could be much worse. The team is set to retain plenty of minutes, including three 60-game starters from a season ago. T.J. Warren led the team with 67 starts last season and appears to be on the verge of a breakout season in Indiana.

They have a decision to make with Justin Holiday, who played in each of the team’s 73 games last season. If he can return as a key bench unit, Indiana should be happy with the state of the bench. Cap space may present a bit of an issue but Indiana would be wise to get its lead contributor on the second unit to run it back one more time.

Last season saw some struggles with injury, which many attributed to the struggles of Nate McMillan. Whether that cost him his job or not, the hope is that the Pacers can stay relatively healthy finally in 2020-21 and play to their full potential. Perhaps a full season of Malcolm Brogdon and Victor Oladipo in the backcourt will convince the duo to stay intact for the future.

We saw glimpses of brilliance from Goga Bitadze in his rookie season and his role should expand a bit in his second season. If Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis both return next season, Goga has a chance to eat with the second unit in more meaningful minutes.

One player that can really take Indiana over the top is Aaron Holiday. Holiday, who is entering his third season with Indiana, can be the leader of the second unit while also contributing in the starting rotation if need be. His ability to create for himself and others should give Indiana a lot of hope moving forward.

It is clear that the Pacers have the roster to at least make the playoffs. If they stay healthy and keep the same core around for another year, they can host a playoff series – or two – and make a run in the Eastern Conference.

Head coach Nate Bjorkgren is inheriting a very intriguing roster with playoff experience. Can he tap into their potential and get them over the hump? I certainly think so.