Why the Indiana Pacers should be optimistic: The Pacers have legitimate excuses for their disappointing season
The injury bug hit just about everyone this season, but nevertheless, the Pacers were doomed by injuries early on and seemed to stay that way through the season. First, Warren was out for the year, then Victor Oladipo before the trade. Pacers trade for Caris LeVert; LeVert has a mass on his kidney, what kind of luck is that? I’ll tell you, bad luck. He misses a few months and his to play his way back into shape before being the LeVert we saw in Brooklyn.
Next, there were trade rumors circling them early on as Oladipo was in and out of the lineup and in a contract year. Oladipo wasn’t himself out on the floor, and instead of having to make a contract decision at the end of the year and potentially lose the asset, they trade him away. Any mid-season trade takes a few games to adjust, even if you fleeced the other team in the deal.
As I mentioned before the asset they received in exchange for Oladipo was a younger, cheaper, similar type of player in LeVert. Levert’s health issues delayed their success even more.
I think their luck will turn around as the Pacers still fought their way into a postseason playoff game despite their struggle of a season. Hopefully, health will be on their side in this coming season as Levert, Sabonis, and Brogdon all ended the season healthy and expect Warren to be ready for the season as well.
They have a big-name coach, some big-name players, a bit of playoff experience on the player’s side, and a giant tidal wave of playoff experience on the coaching side in Carlisle alone. I’m very intrigued to see what they can put together next season. Great hire by Indiana.