Indiana Pacers: Team goals for the 2021-22 NBA season
By Luke Parrish
Can the Indiana Pacers return to the playoffs?
The only way to have a chance to compete is to make the playoffs. Indiana failed to do so last season but did play in the play-in tournament but suffered a season-ending loss to the Wizards. For a franchise that typically gets into the postseason, the Pacers disappointed last season after a promising start.
With Caris LeVert, T.J. Warren, and Domantas Sabonis set to return next season, the Pacers will have plenty of scoring ability. Malcolm Brogdon should also return, giving Indiana another capable three-point shooter in the backcourt.
The bench might look quite a bit different with Doug McDermott and T.J. McConnell hitting free agency but replacing them with cheaper options that fit the next head coach is better than overpaying to keep their guys.
If the Pacers do fix the defensive issues, the offense should do more than enough to get them back into the playoffs with a fighting chance. Grabbing a 5th or 6th seed may not be exhilarating but it would give the Pacers a better chance to get out of the first round than being the 8th seed.
Health will always be a concern. Warren, Turner, Brogdon, and Sabonis all have a worrisome history with Sabonis struggling to stay healthy at the end of the season. Hopefully, the next coaching staff will allow him to rest more throughout the season instead of playing 36 minutes per game.
Indiana should be better next season but can they prove themselves in the playoffs finally?
3 coaching candidates for the Pacers. dark. Next