The Positives
The new core of Michael Porter, Semi Ojeleye, Collin Sexton, and Justin Patton was more than willing to steer the course of the franchise. Gone are the days of Kevin Love, Victor Oladipo, and Justise Winslow. In their place, a group of guys on their rookie contracts who took the Pacers to a 20-8 start. Going forward, the Pacers have long-term security at both Forward positions and an ample PG to boot.
The franchise's depth proved an asset over the course of the season. While Porter's broken ankle did set the team back, being able to rotate players such as Branden Dawson, Fred VanVleet, Monte Morris, etc. without breaking stride proved to be very valuable. The Pacers never had a shortage of options for any particular matchup.
The 10th pick in the draft will be very valuable to the franchise. Shooting Guard and Center remain positions of weakness, despite solid contributions from Rawle Alkins and Eric Mika. Other positions of interest include backup PG and perimeter defense. Regardless, one more additional asset could be all this franchise needs to get over the hump and into the Eastern Conference playoffs.
The Michael Porter Jr. Show has not yet started. Will Year 3 be any different?The Negatives
After Michael Porter Jr broke his ankle, the franchise went 20-34, resulting in another consecutive lottery pick. The team struggled offensively, especially in the 4th quarter. Michael Porter has not yet developed into the primary scorer that he is expected to be. Without that, the team struggled to find buckets when it mattered most.
Backups in the backcourt. Monte Morris, Gary Payton II, and Dejounte Murray all struggled. Their lackluster shooting and turnover-prone play cost the Pacers dearly whenever Sexton and Alkins left the floor. After the trade deadline trade of Allen Crabbe, the Pacers just did not have the firepower in the backcourt to make a playoff run. Rumors may start to circulate that one of MPJ, Justin Patton, or Semi Ojeleye could be traded for additional backcourt security.
Coaching was lackluster all season long. Tragically, a pandemic destroyed the coaching staff's ability to micromanage the team, which was the plan going into the season. A lot has happened over the past few months (my family moved to a new country, family members died from the virus, fighting fascism, etc.), and the Pacers front office frankly did not coach this team as much as necessary. Hopefully this off-season and one more summer of player development will be all this team needs to hit the 2025 season running.
Go Indy Go!
