The Indiana Pacers might not be real championship contenders next season, but that doesn't mean they can't make some noise in a wide-open Eastern Conference. Furthermore, if there is any team in the NBA that can exceed expectations and do their best when their backs are up against the wall, it's the Pacers.
Despite being one win away from bringing home their first Larry O'Brien Trophy in franchise history back in June, Indiana is now considered an afterthought in the East.
After Tyrese Haliburton's injury, which will sideline him for all of next season, and Myles Turner's departure in free agency, the Pacers are going to look very different without two of their most important players in recent years. Because of this, few are expecting the Pacers to be competitive next season, with many calling their upcoming campaign a "gap year."
It is true that the Pacers have a lot going against them, and it will be incredibly unlikely for them to make another deep playoff run, let alone make it back to the NBA Finals. However, this does not mean they should be counted out just yet. After all, they have made it clear time and time again: the Pacers do their best work when everybody counts them out.
The Pacers are still a team to keep an eye on next season
Without Haliburton and Turner, the Pacers are likely going to take a major step back next season.
It is fair to assume that the Pacers will go through their fair share of ups and downs next season as they look to adapt and find answers to some of their most pressing questions (mostly regarding their center situation). However, even so, they are still a talented team and should have a good opportunity to take some people by surprise.
While it is far from ideal, there is a lot to look forward to about Andrew Nembhard running the point for a full season. He has shown that he is capable of doing so at the NBA level in a more limited capacity, and this opportunity should only allow him to improve.
Fans should also expect to see a major leap from Pascal Siakam, who will finally have an opportunity to remind everybody exactly how good he really is.
Furthermore, Indiana will also rely much more heavily on some of their younger players, who could each be in line for some career years. This includes players like Bennedict Mathurin, Jarace Walker, and maybe even Johnny Furphy. All three of them, for one reason or another, have a lot to prove next season, and their performances could solidify them as long-term contributors in Indiana.
Perhaps most importantly, however, the Pacers still have one of the best head coaches in the game in Rick Carlisle, who fans should have a lot of trust in to get the most out of the roster next season.
The Pacers have significant obstacles they need to overcome next season. They must figure out how to stay afloat without their star point guard, and they also need to determine who their next starting center is going to be. Even so, they are a talented and hungry team with a lot to prove, and they have what it takes to take the basketball world by surprise yet again.