Over time we expect that a franchise like the Indiana Pacers will begin to reflect the city and state that they represent. This will be seen through the marketing the team puts out, the statements made by the owners, or even the uniforms that are worn on the court.
But oftentimes there is something much more deeply reflective of the area embedded into a team. Something that lies under the surface and shapes not only the team but the players who come here and end up transforming a bit in response.
Indiana is a midwestern state, a flyover state, a state that very few people seem to want to visit. It’s not a state that shows up in the news a lot, not a major player in the national conversation, and not a state that has a lot of glitz and glam to those on the outside.
But what DOES Indiana have?
It has people with big hearts. It often has an air of generosity, politeness, and humility. But it also is extremely hard working and embodies many of the ideals of the American middle class.
It has an underdog mentality that realizes that we may be a state without a big budget and influence, but that we work hard to grow much of the food that people all around the country eat every day. And while Indiana doesn’t flaunt what influence we do have, we know that it is more agricultural-focused states like ours that drive much of the American economy.
However, in Indiana, we like to have fun. One way we do this is by going fast. This is made evident by the cars we cheer for that drive around our world-famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway at speeds no human should ever achieve. We realize the line between great achievement and disastrous tragedy is often not obvious.
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So do the Pacers reflect the state of Indiana?
This Pacers team will not be a staple on the national scene or television schedule. And the players are often not super flashy, but show up and get the job done. The players are showing they have a big heart for the community. And they are showing that they are extremely willing to work hard.
They have an underdog mentality throughout the team. From the undrafted players playing big minutes, to players like Tyrese Haliburton that fell on draft night, the team is filled with individuals who know their value and ability, even if it isn’t always recognized in the national spotlight.
And this team? They are one of the most fun teams to watch in the league. They run in transition, jump to the rafters for alley-oops, and move around the floor much like the cars during the Indy500. They know how good they are, even if you are too busy to appreciate it.
The Pacers are Indiana’s team with an identity remarkably similar to the state in which they reside.