Recently, Zach Kram of ESPN ranked each NBA team's biggest mistake since 2020. For the Indiana Pacers, Kram said their biggest mistake was hiring Nate Bjorkgren as their head coach in 2020. This "mistake" ranked as the 29th-worst one, only ahead of the Cleveland Cavaliers'.
The Pacers fired Bjorkgren after just one season, but Kram brings up an interesting point in his article. Despite this being a mistake, it almost worked out for Indiana in the end as they hired Rick Carlisle a year later, and he has been crucial to the team's recent success. This was just one example, but the Pacers are fantastic at turning a disaster into an ideal scenario for them.
Another example would be when the Pacers signed Bruce Brown to a two-year, $45 million contract in 2023. At the time, Brown had just come off a championship win with the Denver Nuggets, and the Pacers were hoping he would bring that experience and his all-around skillset to the team. Instead, the Boston native did not pan out in Indiana, and the team was able to include him in a trade to acquire Pascal Siakam from the Toronto Raptors.
The Pacers have enjoyed a lot of success over the last couple of seasons, and that is not by accident. They know how to get out of disastrous situations and turn them into positives before it is too late. As they prepare for what most expect to be a gap year, there are reasons for fans to keep their faith in the organization. After all, it has worked out incredibly well up to this point.
The Pacers need to find that same magic for next season
Speaking of disastrous situations, the Pacers could be in the midst of one right now. During Game 7 of the NBA Finals, Tyrese Haliburton suffered an Achilles injury that will keep him sidelined for the entirety of next season. Furthermore, long-time big man Myles Turner signed with the Milwaukee Bucks earlier this offseason.
After two consecutive conference finals appearances, it would seem that another deep playoff run is not in the cards for Indiana next season. Plus, they still have to figure out their center situation and determine how to navigate through life without Haliburton. Even once they get their star guard back, there is a chance that it takes him a long time to return to form, which is far from ideal for the Pacers. However, if there is one team in the league that can work it out, it is them.
Despite the bleak outlook, there is a lot to look forward to for the Pacers next season. They will have a unique opportunity to showcase some of their younger guys and see who sticks out as potential long-term contributors. Additionally, they still have a young and talented roster with a lot of upside. Playing in a wide-open Eastern Conference also works to their benefit as they may be able to make some noise, even when nobody is expecting it.
In all, the Pacers have had a lot of recent success, and they will look to continue that trend. As has been the case over the past few years, they know how to make the most out of any situation and will aim to make it happen once again.