The Indiana Pacers were written off numerous times in the last year, and they continued to exceed expectations. Now, as they prepare for what most expect to be a gap year, the Pacers are being counted out once again, but T.J. McConnell is not having any of that.
In an article for The Players' Tribune, the 33-year-old made it clear that he and the Pacers hear the critics, but they are "not done," despite what many are saying about the team amidst a bleak time.
"I know we’re being written off now by everyone... And I understand why. But it’s the same [expletive] we’ve always dealt with in Indy — and it’s the same exact thing we’ve had to hear so many times over the last year," McConnell wrote. Swept by the Celtics, they’re done. Started out 10–15, they’re done. Down 7 late to the Bucks, down 7 late to the Cavs, down 9 late to the Knicks, down 15 late to the Thunder, they’re done. Down 3–2 in the Finals, they’re done. Lost Game 7 in the most brutal way possible … lost their franchise player for next season … lost their center in free agency … they’re done. You’d think people would learn by now, but: We’re actually not done."
Last season, the Pacers built a reputation for being one of the most resilient teams the NBA had seen in recent history. In the face of adversity, they never gave up or backed down. This was seen over the stretch of the whole season, as well as in big clutch-time moments during the playoffs.
Very few expected the Pacers to make it all the way to the NBA Finals, but they did exactly that and were one win away from winning it all. Likewise, with Tyrese Haliburton on the shelf for next season and Myles Turner now with the Milwaukee Bucks, very few are expecting Indiana to compete. However, like McConnell said, the Pacers aren't done yet, and it might not be too wise to count them out once again.
The Pacers are in for a unique season
It is going to be incredibly difficult for them to make another deep playoff run next season. However, if there is any team that can exceed these types of expectations, it is the Pacers.
Not having Haliburton for a season is going to make life difficult for the Pacers. Additionally, they still have to work out their center situation without Turner. Either way, the Pacers still have a very talented roster and have numerous breakout candidates who could establish themselves as long-term contributors in Indiana.
It also helps the team that they are in a weaker Eastern Conference that many would say is wide-open at the moment. While a third consecutive conference finals appearance will be a big challenge for Indiana, the playoffs are not far-fetched at all. And, as they proved last year, anything can happen if they make it to the playoffs.
The Pacers also have one of the best coaches in the league in Rick Carlisle. As the team looks to navigate through what is expected to be a gap year, there are few coaches they would rather have than their own. This bodes well for them, especially since they have made it clear they are still planning to compete.
While things may look grim right now, there is a lot to like about the Pacers' long-term outlook. They still have a bright future and a talented roster. Furthermore, they have already proven that they do their best work when they are counted out, which they are right now. Hoisting the Larry O'Brien Trophy next year might be a pipedream for Indiana. However, no matter how difficult it is going to be, the Pacers have what it takes to shock the basketball world. After all, they have already done exactly that, and they can certainly do it again.