Coming off of a 40-42 season, the Pacers came into the season with eyes on the playoffs -- a first in a while for a club that's been a bottom feeder for several years. With a little growth, some better coaching, and a few lucky bounces, the Pacers had a shot at sneaking into the playoffs, even in the hellish Eastern Conference.
Going into the season, the Pacers were putting their money on the development of Michael Porter Jr, Semi Ojeleye, Justin Patton, and Collin Sexton. They figured that with these 4 youngsters together for another season, and a supporting cast of Gary Payton II, FVV, Rawle Alkins, RHJ, Eric Mika, and others, they had a legitimate shot at a +.500 season. I think most experts agreed that improvement was very much so within reach.
But on the eve of Opening Day, the largest trade (maybe) in Pacers history was revealed. Rising star MPJ, along with rock-solid PG Collin Sexton and plug-piece Branden Dawson, were being shipped to the Sacramento Kings. In return, the Pacers received 4 first round picks, rookie Jalen Smith, 3 & D guy Deng Adel, and veteran Nick Johnson.
After the monster deal, the Pacers were less assured of their playoff chances. Still, a 9-6 start to the season started to give them hope. With no MPJ, Justin Patton and Semi Ojeleye were unleashed and began averaging 20+ ppg. The new starting 5 was Payton, Alkins, Ojeleye, Patton, and Mika. A very solid unit that could move the ball and hit shots, but was nothing to write home about defensively.
Eventually, the shortcomings of the roster began to be apparent. Ojeleye couldn't stay healthy, and the bench unit wasn't potent enough. Elite opposing guards would feast on the lackluster perimeter D. So, three smaller deals were made to try to right the ship and keep playoff hopes alive. RHJ was swapped with expiring contract and seasoned veteran DeMarre Carroll. Nick Johnson was sent out along with the ATL 1st (#27) and a CHA future 1st for lockdown defender Briante Weber. And lastly, Monte Morris and a 2nd round pick were sent to Memphis for Matthew Dellavedova.
Briante Weber was traded to Indiana to lockdown dangerous Guards. Was he worth it?
After matchday 60, the Pacers were 30-30 and in the middle of the playoff hunt. Unfortunately, for the second consecutive season, coaching went absent when it was needed most and the Pacers slipped. It didn't matter that the Pacers had a deep roster with plenty of defensive options; without coaching those players wouldn't be properly utilized. Guys like Carroll, Dellavedova, Adel, and Weber weren't getting minutes or proper matchups, and the Pacers slipped accordingly. 37-45, a 3-game step back for the young squad.
This offseason, the Pacers have the #19 pick. They also need to make decisions regarding expiring free agents Carroll, Dellavedova, and Mika. They hope to bring back all 3, but also acknowledge that they aren't willing to overpay for any of them.
Alas, perhaps next year will be their year!
2020, 2023, 2027