The Indiana Pacers are in serious danger of missing the playoffs in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2008 and 2009.
Heading into last season, there was disbelief among Indiana Pacers fans that they could possibly miss the playoffs. With the roster they had coming into the season and the strong run the year before, many were hopeful that the Pacers could be strong contenders in the Eastern Conference.
Unfortunately, Indiana ran into some struggles early and was never able to get back on track, and missed the playoffs after losing in the play-in tournament. The team had the players in place to be dangerous last season but too many things went off the rails as the season dragged on.
Now, the Pacers are staring down another long season after an uneventful offseason up to this point. The 2021 NBA Draft produced a 24-year-old rookie guard in Chris Duarte who will add scoring to the bench to replace what Doug McDermott has left behind. The draft also brought another young big man to Indiana as Isaiah Jackson was acquired in exchange for Aaron Holiday and draft picks.
T.J. Warren also returns to the team after missing last season with a foot injury that required season-ending surgery. With new faces in the lineup, will the Pacers actually return to the playoffs? Here are three reasons we should be cautious of such expectations.