Team that Indiana Pacers fans should root for: Atlanta Hawks
One of the league’s up-and-coming teams, the Atlanta Hawks finished 41-31 and qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 2017. After a measly 14-20 start to the season which led to the firing of then-coach Lloyd Pierce, former Indiana Pacers coach Nate McMillan stepped up to the plate and the Hawks proceeded to go 27-11 to end their campaign.
As they head to the postseason against the rejuvenated Knicks, Pacers fans may find it easy to root for the Hawks despite being rivals. Well, McMillan led Indy to three straight seasons finishing no worse than 5th, setting the framework for the Blue and Gold. While his exit from the Circle City was tumultuous, to say the least, the team’s struggles this season certainly made fans miss his reliable voice and calming presence.
Trae Young may irk you with his foul-drawing antics, but Nate McMillan alone makes this team worthy to root for. Indiana would love to see him have playoff success after going a combined 3-20 in the postseason manning the sidelines for the Pacers.