Unfortunately, at the 10-game mark the Pacers find themselves at 4-6, leaving them with the 3rd to worst record in the Eastern Conference. They're currently on a 2-game losing skid, and have gone 2-5 in their last 7 games.
To make matters worse, Steph Curry, acquired in the offseason in exchange for Victor Oladipo, is currently out with a sprained toe. Without Curry, the Pacers are being forced to rely heavily on rookies Okobo and Okogie. While both rookies have shown signs of promise, it certainly remains evident that they are not ready for starter-level minutes, leaving the Pacers with a hole at the 2-spot.
Also of concern has been the play of newly-acquired PG Emmanuel Mudiay. Through 10 games, the former Laker is putting up 9 PPG, 4 APG, and 3.4 RPG on only 39% shooting and a horrid 27% from three. When asked about the play of Mudiay, TheTwoWallaces swiftly replied,
Mudiay, brought in to shore up a desperately shallow PG role, has yet to figure out his role in an offense that centers around big men Justise Winslow, Semi Ojeleye, and Kevin Love. However, the Pacers do have time on their side, as Mudiay, like many of their new acquisitions, is still young and under contract for another 4 seasons.He's young, he's talented, but he has to adjust to our Indiana approach. So far, his defense has been there, but his offense has clearly not. He'll be given the minutes necessary to correct it, and he knows that. Until then, we'll be patient.
Meanwhile, defensive stalwart and fan favorite Justise Winslow, who inked a 5-year deal this offseason, has been off to another very solid start to the season. Through 10 games, Winslow is averaging 16 PPG on 46% shooting and 2 SPG. He has also resumed his usual role of shutting down the best opposing player. However, Winslow's solid play has clearly not been enough to offset other issues.
To put things in a little perspective, these opening 10 games were no cake walk. The franchise played playoff regulars such as Sacramento, Cleveland, Detroit, Miami, and Boston(2x). Also, the team continues to be without Justin Patton, who is schedule to return from his knee injury sometime next week.
The Pacers are eagerly awaiting the debut of Patton, who tore a knee tendon last season.
Moving forward, the Pacers GM spoke strongly of the need to keep on going with the rebuild.
We have trades lined up that will be shipping out 6 current players, all with the intent of bringing in more promising young players. We're very excited to see how this team looks come Day 30, and even more excited to take our time and play with the pieces we have and the pieces we will be getting. I came here to undertake a sizable rebuilding project, and I think the first step in that is developing a team identity. By this time next week, I hope to see the first glimpses of that identity. After that, we just have to win some basketball games.
