The Indiana Pacers will have a big chip on their shoulders heading into the 2021-22 NBA season. After dismally missing the playoffs in the previous campaign, it’s no secret that the team has loftier goals and will not be content just sneaking into the postseason, especially with their window to win in the present appearing murkier than before.
Fortunately, after a season which saw the Blue and Gold limp towards the lottery as they primarily bannered a hobbled squad for most of the year, many of the team’s core players are projected to enter the season with a cleaner bill of health. It also helps that the franchise has a new coach to man the sidelines this time, as well as some great, yet under-the-radar additions in the offseason.
The Indiana Pacers are out to prove themselves next season
However, a clean slate for the Indiana Pacers may not be enough to make noise in the league, or even in the East. With the conference much stronger and deeper than before, the team cannot rest on its laurels and hope that wins simply come falling on their laps. They will have to scrap it out on a nightly basis.
Still, as we all know, adrenaline is real. Paired with the Pacers’ goal of proving themselves next season, many of the team’s cogs will be keen to show next season why they are pivotal pieces and should remain with team. Thus, here are four players who could be facing make-or-break seasons in the 2021-22 NBA season.