2013 Season

Pacers Season Preview

The season is upon us Posse.  It is here and it feels like it came so quickly.  This time last year, the PacersPosse was only a dream and the Pacers were set to put on a hell of a season.  This is a new year, though, and game 1 is just hours away.

So what’s different?  Well, let’s start off with a very brief synopsis of what last season was like.  We had MANY ups and downs relative to our bench, turnovers were plentiful and almost always proved to be costly, Granger was out for most of the year, Larry’s back, LeBron flopped every chance he got, and the Pacers lost in 7 against the defending and eventual World Champion Miami Heat.  Oh yeah, and I think David West got poked in the eye somewhere in there.

We have addressed, or very diligently attempted to address, most of these issues.  Issue 1, the bench, was attacked fervently by the organization and we have some very interesting additions – including draft pick Solomon Hill.  You can check out the other additions / subtractions in the side by side below:

That big X-factor is Danny Granger.  He missed the final two preseason games due to a strained calf and the Pacers released today that he will be out an additional 3 weeks to assure that the injury has subsided. Over that time span, assuming that 3 weeks means November 20^th, the Pacers will play teams that were a combined 376-444 last season.  While these games do include your bottom feeders (Orlando, New Orleans, Cleveland, and Detroit), it also includes Chicago, Brooklyn, and New York – all teams that could pose issues in the months to come.  If Granger is to be his former self, and IF Danny must be injured, it really couldn’t have come at a better time.  It would be nice, for both him and the team, if he were healthy, but it’s always nicer to be healthy come April.  Many ask, though, do we even NEED Danny to win a chip?  I guess the verdict may still be out on that one, but last season may have been a solid indicator of what we may have been capable of if Granger was part of the mix.

Issue #2 goes to turnovers.  We saw LOTS of sloppy, careless mistakes last season that led to some real heartbreakers.  My analysis - our starters becoming severely overworked due to the lack of bench help and production.  When our starters were resting, our bench couldn’t sustain for long, if at all.  This clearly led to getting fatigued players back on the court before they could rest and elevated anxiety for our starters as they watched our bench players underperform.  You could see the frustration and it was uncomfortable.  The turnover issue is never one that is to be “resolved,” but I see great improvement on the horizon due to our significantly beefed up bench.  I ultimately think that game in and game out our fans will notice the production and see immediate results.  We win those close games that were just within reach in the past. 

This season WILL be a great one.  There are no doubts.  Much like last season, it will be a season to remember, but for different reasons.  I see PG being considered for MVP and Hibbert for DPOY.  And I think this goes down as the first year the NBA Pacers can call themselves champions.  We will grow tired of the “small-market-people-don’t-come-to-games-LeBron-is-flopping-again” talk very soon, but our starting 5 are all back and healthy and we have some very capable men that could be considered for 6^th man honors.  I believe that anything else than a championship would fall short of the organizations expectations for this season.  The upside is that they are poised and totally capable of doing so (even without Danny).  56-26 is the prediction, with playoff wins over the Bulls and/or Nets, with a final East victory over the Heat to settle ourselves into the Finals.  This is our year Posse.  This is our year Pacers fans.  THE PACERS ARE GOING TO THE FINALS, I GOT A FEELIN’!!!

The Flops, The Fines, The Fans

PLEASE READ: This blog post is not for those that can read and are under the age of what is considered to be an acceptable level of maturity.  While the comments related in this post are largely for entertainment and comedy purposes, they may offend some, while entertaining others.  I'm just a guy, I'm just a fan, I'm just putting it out there.  If you can accept this, read on...

This season has been an incredible roller coaster ride.  Ups, downs, loop-the-loops... puking, crying, sweating.  Any fan that has watched Pacers basketball this season knows what this ride has been like.  The most interesting part of this ride, however, is that we aren't reaching the station to get off... we're just reaching the top of that first big hill.

Flopping has been the talk of the series against the Heat. On two occasions, at least, we can feel the chants of "He's a flop-per" throughout the fieldhouse, Penn, and Indianapolis. The act has became so absurd, on both sides of the ball, that Internet, radiowaves, and television have been taken over by it. Like many have said, it's an extremely unfortunate part of the game, but, nonetheless, still something that we must tolerate. Because, let's face it, James isn't going to stop - whatever he has to do to win (even if that requires an odd and confusing wind sprint the length of the court).  Yes, it hurts the integrity of the game. Yes, it is wild to see an almost 7 foot man throw his body to the ground like a toddler.  Yes, marine life out of water and wounded deer are the only things that should flop.  West and Stephenson have been fined, James has been fined, James has NOT been fined... and the band plays on.

Speaking of fines... the biggest, and most controversial, fine as of yet on Roy Hibbert.  A fine that included the use of the word "motherfucker" addressing the press when asked as to why he finished 10th in DPOY voting and the use of the term "no homo" when speaking about his love for Paul George (on the court) and essentially, what he has done and what he will do for him.  What was said has been said, whether or not I or you agree with it, and like I said... the band plays on.

I do not condone Roy's comments.  But, I am not outraged, either.  Frankly, Roy is a grown ass man and he can say what he wants, when he wants, in this country that we call free.  The consequences, whether or not he chooses to accept them, and whether or not they include a fine, are strictly on him.  As long as his comments do not impact his game, his team, our family, our friends (which mine include homosexuals who were NOT offended by the comment but more offended by the sensitivity of the media - specifically citing that outrage of this sort is why the use of the word "homo, homosexual, or gay" is perhaps why the topic of homosexuality is somehow still a sensitive subject) or this city, then I say, speak your mind big dog.  His comments were not an attack on homosexuality, by any means. Can't say he wasn't pissed at media, though.

Contrastingly, (with the caveat that "motherfucker" and "no homo" are in no way really comparable and this is strictly for comedy purposes) men and women alike are sometimes married, or in a consenting relationship, to the mother's of their children.  They sometimes engage in the act that produces children. This clearly makes them "motherfuckers." They do not, in any way, take offense to Roy's use of the word "motherfucker" or consider the use of the word "motherfucker" an attack on all "motherfuckers."  (If by now you're thinking, "Well, that's nothing like calling homosexuals "homos," please see above and pick yourself up a sense of humor). 

What have we taken from all this?  People absorb what they want to.  The media reports what they want to report and PEOPLE - straight, homosexual, fans, non-fans, liberals, conservatives, blacks, whites, etc. - will do whatever they want to spin something - either in a positive or negative way.  It happened last night, it happened all season, and it will happen until this Earth is swallowed up by a massive black hole (hopefully not before the Pacers get a championship).

The bottom line:  None of this matters... none of this matters when it comes down to the brass tax of Game 7.  Sure, there will be flopping tonight.  Let's hope that any inappropriate comments are left out of the pre-game and post-game.  Tonight will be perhaps the most epic night, for either team, after one of the most exhilarating Eastern Conference Finals series we have witnessed.  These are clearly the two best organizations in the East with a truly cohesive team versus a future Hall of Famer.  To say that tonight's game is the reason we watch basketball would be a gross understatement.

I have been downtown over the last two home games for pre-game festivities and could say with full confidence, on both occasions, that the Pacers were going to win.  I felt the energy, the sense of community, and the sense of urgency that both the Pacers and their fans had.  I had completely bought into that whole "there's no way we're losing tonight" mentality.  While tonight's game is away, I still have those same feelings.  The hate that I'm getting from Heaters at work, my facebook statuses being DELETED by admins, and the business I'm seeing on twitter is proof that we can win tonight and that we will give it our all to do so.

And the Band. Plays. On.

The Bandwagon...

When a "friend of mine" was around 8 years old, his mother worked at Logo 7 (eventually became Logo Athletic).  The Indiana winter was cold and he and his brother needed coats to survive the season.  Their mother got a ridiculous deal on two NFL jackets that would definitely keep her boys warm through the cold winter months.  The only problem?  The jackets were Dallas Cowboys and Buffalo Bills adorned.  The Colts hadn't hit any type of stride at this point and the Chicago Bears will still a fan favorite in the area.  Their mother let them choose which one they wanted (neither really wanted either because they weren't fans of football (yet) or the Colts).  In the end, however, "my friend" takes the Buffalo Bills coat and all of it's red, white, and blue glory-ness.

It just so happened that this year, the Buffalo Bills were in a massive stretch of destroying every team they touched and travelling to the Super Bowl in what seemed like every season (Yes, my friend is very aware that they have never one a championship).  My friend did not know this entirely, but decided to pretend that he was a HUGE Buffalo Bills fan to sacrifice his mother's feelings.  To keep the facade going, he started to do his research, watched more football, and even had his father take him to games when the Bills came to town.  The unexpected result?  He absolutely fell in love with the team and could create 10 man caves the size of Ralph Wilson Stadium with the memorabilia that he has acquired.  He even has a picture with Jim Kelly front and center on his work desk.

How often does this happen?  How often does someone kinda stumble onto being a fan? RARELY.  These stories are few and far between.  I never knew a Dallas Cowboys fan existed until their awesome stretch in the 1990's.  I grew up in Indiana and I couldn't have told you 5 people that liked the Colts through the Eric Dickerson days, the Jeff George era, or before Marshall Faulk became a household name.  Hell, most of my friends couldn't even tell you that Andre "Bad Moon" Rison even played for Indianapolis.  BUT, you bring in a quarterback with a down home, wholesome attitude and a "laser, rocket arm" (plus a championship) and eventually you can't even walk through a Marsh grocery store without seeing the number 18 on a housewife's back while she picks up chips and dip for Sunday's game against New England.

The moral of all this?  The lesson here is that IT'S OK.  It's perfectly fine.  I, myself, am incredible guilty of giving the "bandwagoners" a hard time.  Probably because I, er "my friend," came from humble beginnings with an atypical story of why they like a team.  Think about it... just a little... for those of you in your mid-twenties to early thirties.  Were you fans of the Pacers before the "Reggie Miller era?"  You can tell me you were ALL YOU WANT... but that group is a very elite one. 

Typically, people become fans of a team because of their success.  People just don't wake up one day and say, "You know what, I LOVE the Kansas City Chiefs..."  Well, I guess Cubs fans don't fall into that category...  What's important is that they get on the bandwagon and STAY ON.  They ride that bumpy son-of-a-bitch through brawls (Pacers), drugs (Cowboys), shooting incidents (Plaxico), and winless seasons.  Indiana has those fans... those that can relate... those that fell in love with a team and are helping others onto that bandwagon as it rolls toward the NBA Finals.  Don't hate it, embrace it.  We all love the Pacers for the same reason: It's our city, it's our home, and they are DAMN good - the players feel like our neighbors and family.  The FAMbase is getting stronger.

A Story From a Loyal Fan...

When I Was Young:

When I was young, there wasn’t much to do in my neighborhood. A junk yard of mobile homes and old cars that almost looked abandoned, I called it home because it was all that I knew.  Trouble found my brother and I often, child protection services was always knocking at our door, and, for the life of me, I still can’t remember what my Dad looked like when I was young.  I had to either buy in or get out.

When the ever-changing Indiana Winter decided to call it quits for the season, my brother and I ventured outside to keep our minds off of what was going on our insides.  There wasn’t much to do in the trailer park. The only amenity the community offered was a ran down basketball court and we were going to take advantage of it.  We spent all Summer at the court.  Most of the time we were creeping on the girls that would hang out, but every now and then a pickup game would get going and we would jump in.  As youths, it was the best Summer of our lives.

When long, hot days turned into cool, breezy nights, we started to nestle back into our regular routine of hibernation and survival and started to try to focus on going back to school.  While we had each other, it wasn’t enough all of the time.  We needed something more.  And something came just at the right time.

In the Fall of that year, a group had come to our school and was planning on an outing that was going to bus kids to events around the city of Indianapolis.  Their first event was an Indiana Pacers game.  To be honest, I didn’t even know that Indiana had a professional basketball team.  It wasn’t something we watched, it wasn’t something we heard about.  Nonetheless, we were excited; if for no other reason than to just get out of the house.

Hours and days passed to no end.  We kept it on our minds.  We were so ready to do something new, something different.  And then the day came.  The group leader picked us up at home in a 15 passenger van and we made the trip downtown.  I can’t stress enough how long that ride was.  It felt like we were driving to Alaska.  My brother and I were so excited, the van driver had to tell us to quiet down.  We couldn’t wait.

And then, like a Catholic meeting the Pope, we were humbled.  We were awestruck by the size and smooth lines.   MARKET SQUARE ARENA.  It was massive, it was spectacular, it was our Vatican.  We got out of the van and filed into a line.  We were using the buddy system and held hands with each other while we crossed the street.  My brother and I started to drift because we were breaking our necks staring up at the marvelous structure.  We got inside and ate lunch in a meeting room.  The chairs were comfy and smooth, the ambient lighting was soft on the eyes, and the smell… Oh, the smell of concessions being cooked.  The quiet buzz of people filing in.  The feeling we got when we knew there was something much greater and more important than us was overwhelming.

After devouring our lunch, we went down to the locker room for a meet and great with the players.  Some children were really excited to meet their favorite players.  Some children were running around, hiding in the lockers.  My brother and I, just lost in the moment, kind of stood in the middle of the room, waiting for something to happen.  Without warning, a really tall black man came over and put his massive hands in ours and asked us our names.  While he was talking to us, I noticed his cool long shorts, and clean cut, brand new Pacers jersey.  What stood out, however, was this man’s tiny afro haircut, sharp teeth, and protruding ears.  He was by far the oddest man we had ever seen, but also the nicest, most inviting, most soft spoken man we had ever met too.

The Pacers won that night.  The man with the funny ears had put on a show.  My brother spent most of the time playing around with classmates, but I was engrossed.  I fell in love that night.  My first true love.  I fell in love with basketball, with the Indiana Pacers, and with a tall, skinny, funny looking man that would become the face of the Pacers and the face of Indiana for 18 wonderful years.  People sometimes can’t even mention the franchise without first mentioning his name. 

As I matured and as I grew older, so did that man and so did the Indiana Pacers.  That player eventually retired and the Pacers got a new face and a new building.  I cried when the Arena was demolished.  Not because I was sad that a historic building was being eradicated, but because I could finally bury those bad moments from our childhood under the rubble that once stood at 300 Market Street.  My brother and I, whenever we get in touch and begin talking about our childhoods, he can’t remember that night we first stepped into Market Square Arena.  We still bond over Pacers basketball, though.  It takes us back to that place that we could escape to.  It takes us back to a place far, far from the trailer park that was just pure.  No matter what we do the rest of our lives, no matter how far we are from each other or this state, we will always have Indiana and we will always have the Pacers.

Pacers - Trade Deadline and Beyond

For the first time in what seems like forever, the NBA trade deadline has come and gone and I’m glad the Indiana Pacers came away empty handed.  Nothing the Pacers were rumored in was going to make them any better than they are now.  More important to this organization than adding a little help was sacrificing or gambling on team chemistry.  Pacer fans, we have a team dedicated to bringing a title here.  Not individuals trying to a notch to their “legend”, but a team that puts the W before the PPG. 

The reports cite that, in the end, team chemistry was valued most in this locker room.  There’s a belief that if there’s a problem, this team and coaching staff can figure it out.  And, this season has shown folks like me, that the front office knows what they’re doing.  Early in the season with the poor start, people (myself included) were clamoring for a move or a change.  So far, aside from Gerald Green, everything has come together with time.  But in the case of Green, he’s canceled out by the rookie Orlando Johnson stepping up. 

What deals were on the table for the Pacers? 

They were one of the big players in the JJ Redick sweepstakes.  JJ would have been nice, but what do you lose if he walks at the end of the season?  If they were only wanting a draft pick from the Pacers, I wouldn’t have minded giving one up.  I mean, look how well our first rounder has turned out this year.  If they wanted one of our players that actually contribute (let’s face it, when the Pacers bring up the name Gerald Green, I’m sure its met with laughter or a click with dial tone), I’d likely say no thanks.  Tyler Hansbrough, in the final year of his contract and questionable whether the Pacers have interest in bringing him back, may have been okay to send because of the recent strong play of Jeff Pendergraph.  However, Jeff’s knees are still an uncertainty with heavy playing time. 

Another deal had the Lakers baiting Chris Duhon or Steve Blake for DJ Augustin (an expiring contract).  I’ve never been a fan of Duhon.  And he’d be a big time downgrade in my opinion.  Blake may or may not have been a wash.  With a point guard getting swapped in the late season like this, they may not have enough time to get familiar with each other.  I’ve always been a fan of Blake, but I don’t know if he’d work right away.

I think a key reason they’re claiming “chemistry” is the defense.  The Pacers boast one of the best defenses in the league (if not the best as I am typing this).  The 2^nd unit may have its offensive woes, but they are able to maintain the intensity the starters bring.  One weak link could really bust this good thing they have going.  Defense is what has this team playing championship basketball first and foremost, so if that’s not broke, lets not fix.

If you’re #2 in the East and playing the best D in the league, why MUST something be done.  The Pacers are in good shape, not in desperation, not needing a fix.  They say we need a spot up 3pt shooter.  A scorer on the 2^nd unit.  Another all-star.  Well, folks, Danny Granger returns to the lineup (tonight in Detroit).  He’ll fit that description quite nicely.  Plus Danny is an unselfish, “win first’, lock down defender.  People act like he and Paul George can’t play together.  Its not like Danny’s been shut out or is a selfish player.  If Dwayne Wade and LeBron James can play together, these 2 aren’t going to have any issue.  Anybody saying it will be is just trying to stir a pot.

The Pacers are gunning for the #1 seed in the East, but I think its safe to say we’ll likely be standing at #2 or #3 by seasons end (barring an unforeseen big injury).  This team should be expecting to be in the Eastern Conference Finals.  They badly want the Heat, and this is likely where they’ll face them.  I’m pretty sure when the Pacers meet up with Miami in the playoffs, they will beat them.  That’s been their whole focus of the offseason and regular season.  And when it comes down to it, I believe they’re the hungrier team.  They are able to cause them fits and cancel out everyone but LeBron James and Dwayne Wade, but give them problems closing off outlets and shutting them down in transition.

What about the other possible matchups.  Here’s a quick run down of the rest of the teams in the playoffs and how the Pacers would match up in a series.

New York Knicks – This can be a tough team if it wants to be.  However, they’re full of egos and have a hard time keeping their heads on straight in highly competitive situations.  If they get their act together this could be a tough out for the Pacers.

Brooklyn Nets – This is a team that scares nobody in a 7 game series.  Its got a wannabe flash roster, but is a team that could easily be taken out.  I know the Pacers are 0-2 against them this year, but come playoff time I think they could be knocked off by an 8 seed if that was to happen.

Chicago Bulls – Does Derrick Rose come back or not?  If he does or doesn’t I still see them as a team that goes down in 7 in the first round or makes it to the 2^nd round but not much noise made.  I don’t think Derrick Rose’s return would make that big of an impact this season.  Maybe an extra round or game or 2 in the playoffs difference.  Hard to gauge without seeing him play.

Atlanta Hawks – They’ve always seemed to have the Pacers number.  However, in series with home court advantage, I like the Pacers in 6 against them. 

Boston Celtics – A team that might turn it on a bit in the playoffs.  I think they’re potentially the most dangerous team in the 2^nd half.  May be able to take out whoever they play.  “Just get to the playoffs” is definitely a way to describe them.

Milwaukee Bucks – A team that could easily get swept by the top 3.  I could see them taking out Brooklyn but nobody else.  They added JJ Redick, giving their roster 3 backcourt chuckers.  Aside from offloading a bunch of contracts, I don’t see why they were after him so hard.  Didn’t make a lot of sense.

The Pacers can make the jump to the Eastern Conference Finals.  It would be great to see them hit the 50 win mark, which is attainable if they keep at the pace they are going.  This team is strong an determined.  They won’t just settle with wins or getting to the playoffs or even the East Finals.  They want a championship.  They keep each other in check and hold each other accountable.  They work together to fight for the W.  They help on defense, they share the ball on offense.  They exhibit the chemistry of a champion.

Twitter: @btpeters

All-Star Weekend Hangover?

That WAS an exciting weekend.  And yeah, Green SHOULD have won the Sprite Slam Dunk contest.  But, 'Nique should have beat out Jordan, too.  We digress... time to get back to Pacer Basketball!

The Pacers play the second placed Knicks on Wednesday at The Bank and it is going to be a great game.  Both teams have 32 wins (NYK only ahead of Indiana as the Pacers have played / lost more games).  Both teams are fighting hard for that second spot in the East.  Both teams have lost extremely close games to a sub-par Toronto team recently.  And both teams are hungry to catch a win after the all-star break to get the latter part of the season rolling.

The Knicks are on a two game losing streak despite a double-double from Anthony against Toronto and MONSTER numbers against L.A. (Clippers) in their previous game.  The Pacers are wanting to start a streak coming off a win that showed us all why Paul George is an All-Star.  Brady sits for his Pro Bowl, George throws up a triple-double before all-star weekend.  You know, some got it... some don't. 

We look forward to a stellar, and league leading, Indiana defense to stave off Anthony and NYK and hold it down at home - like they always do.  This game should really be insightful as to how both teams may perform in the playoffs.  Oh, and yeah, in case the hype of all-star weekend got you all crazy, Granger is supposed to be returning for this game.  The Bank is going to go OFF.

Tickets for Wednesday's game are still available on stubhub.com and start at $2.95 for uppers.  Get out there and support our Pacers!

Re-evaluating Larry Bird's Legacy as Team President

After the surprise 2011-12 season, Larry Bird left his position as team president of the Indiana Pacers. He cited health concerns, but did leave the door open for a return at some point.

Now that the dust has settled and Donnie Walsh is back doing his old job, we can analyze if Larry Bird was actually a good team president.

We can go back and look at his coaching hires, draft record and his ability to get the best in a trade. Enough time has passed to adequately assess his job as team president from 2003-2012.

Yes, we do bring up T.J. Ford.

Before we start, we are not putting Bird's record as head coach into the conversation. His 147-67 head coaching record can stand by itself. He was an excellent coach and left at least one year too early. If Bird was the coach during their lone appearance in the NBA Finals, they might have squeaked out at least one more win.

Let's look at the Pacers overall record during his tenure as the Pacers' team president. From 2003-04  through the 2011-12 season, Indiana's record was 364-358. During that stretch, they had three winning seasons and five playoff appearances. The first season of Bird's tenure, the Pacers were 61-21 and earned a #1 seed in the Eastern Conference. They lost in the Eastern Conference Finals to the Detroit Pistons.

One of the most important moments in Pacers history happened under Bird's watch. The "Malice at the Palace", or also known as the "Palace Brawl", was a turning point for the franchise. Ron Artest, Jermaine O'Neal, Stephen Jackson and Reggie Miller were among the Pacers suspended. They had an image problem after that. The team was filled with guys with off-the-court issues and needed a face-lift. This started what I call the "Pretty Boy Era".

 

 

"Malice at the Palace" - Indiana Pacers vs. Detroit Pistons

                https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=lw1bV9KZS3Y

 

 

Bird started cleaning house and ridding themselves of all players associated with the brawl or who have off-the-court problems. He didn't end there, his next few drafts were filled with guys with squeaky clean images and most had at least three years of college basketball under their belt. Guys like David Harrison, Erazem Lorbek and Tyler Hansbrough were drafted during this time. He also signed guys like Travis Diener and traded for Mike Dunleavy and Troy Murphy.

After Reggie Miller retired, Bird failed to ever replace him with a face of the franchise. Attendance dipped to all-time lows and the team was losing money. The hangover from that period was felt until this season.. They had one of the best records in the NBA last year and they were still near the bottom in attendance.

Bird also had a penchant for hiring head coaches who had ties to the Boston Celtics. Bird played with Rick Carlisle with Boston, Jim O'Brien is a former head coach of the Celtics and Vogel is a former video coordinator for Boston. He has lucked out with Vogel, but his hiring strategy shows zero creativity.

Looking back at Bird's draft record, he only drafted two future All-Stars (Danny Granger and Paul George). Roy Hibbert also made the All-Star team, but technically he was drafted by the Toronto Raptors and acquired in the Jermaine O'Neal/T.J. Ford deal. At the time, the deal was assumed to be just a bad contract swap, but Hibbert was a nice surprise.

During the "Pretty Boy Era", Bird refused to completely bottom-out. He would put together a team that was competitive, but with a peark of a .500 team. So year after year, the Pacers wouldn't net them a high lottery pick. I do believe it was Bird's pride that kept him from tanking a season just for a high pick. He finally lucked out by drafting Paul George, a guy who most scouts believe to be a kid without a true NBA position.

Bird seemed to finally understand how to balance clean-cut guys with a few wildcards. He drafted Lance Stephenson in the second round in 2010. He was one of the best players in his high school class, but his stock fell after an average season at Cincinnati and attitude issues.

It's unfortunate the Pacers are just now starting to hit their ceiling. Bird seemed to finally hit his stride as team president in the last two seasons. Donnie Walsh inherited a very good team that could win a ring soon.

If I put a grade on Bird's performance as team president, I would give it a C. He had an F for so long, but he has aced the last two seasons. If Bird is ever in charge of another team, as an owner, I would take a few things out of his control or hire an advisor. He appears to need help scouting college talent and vetting coaches. I remember hearing he was high on Adam Morrison and D.J. Augustin going into their drafts. If he somehow acquired either of them at that point, the Pacers would be in worse shape.

If Larry Bird wants to get back into basketball after he rests up, he should probably stick to coaching.

Calling all Pacers "fans!"

Good morning you great little FAMbase!  Now, more than ever, we are hyped and feeling good about this team and what they are doing on the court.  Yeah, yeah, we know they lost the last two at home, in OT, after an epic winning streak, but, when it is necessary, something has to be said.

For the last few days, we have seen exponential growth in the talks about attendance, ticket sales, small market... blah, blah, blah.  If you are a HUGE fan, and if you are a member of the PacersPosse we know that you are, then it is YOU that is scutinizing those "fans" that seem more apathetic than empathetic.  We get it, we are with you.  This has became full-blown ridiculous. This is an extension of our virtual hand, a thank you, for being so damn hardcore.

Last night was a perfect example of what this team and this city DOESN'T need.  It has reached it's tipping point.  Now we are pissed.  Shortly after tip off, we looked around Banker's Life and saw a pathetic crowd that MAY have half filled the Fieldhouse.  How is this possible?  Everyone is constantly twittering or facebooking about how cheap tickets are, how cheap parking is, how to formulate an exciting and fan-filled night without breaking the bank.  For the last two home games (which were against Toronto - a team that seemingly has our number - guaranteed to be a great game, and Brooklyn - a team that is "on the come up" and is so close to our heels we have blisters) we have seen close, exciting, overtime matches that, if we had a full house, probably would've been won.

We were stunned.  Empty Fieldhouse.  If it weren't for the G2Zone, Area55, and the sprinkling of the Posse throughout the crowd, we could have swore we were at a Nickleback concert.  Everyone quiet, void of emotion, and simply not having any fun.  A wild, ugly game: David West getting poked / scratched on the eye and missing the first half / playing the second half with one eye, Pendergraph "going off" temporarily after contracting a foul after being on the floor for 3 seconds, bad passing, sub-par defense, off shooting, and, let's be honest, HIGH SCHOOLESQUE OFFICIATING.  It isn't David's eye's fault, or the refs fault, that Indiana lost.  It's Indiana's.

Win by 50, or lose by 100.  We don't care.  This game came down to a last second shot, for the Pacers win, and they missed.  Sweet, OVERTIME.  Now, these Pacers "fans" can get their money's worth (you know, because tickets are so overpriced).  And then it happens... the already half empty Fieldhouse is buzzing and FANS ARE LEAVING.  No joke... people are trying to beat traffic, get their kids, home, get some sleep.  If you are a Pacers fan, then BE a Pacers fan.  Don't half-ass it.  Posse members dedicate themselves to this movement.  G2 and Area55 hold tryouts.  It's embarrassing! It's embarrassing - right up there with having a "bat in the cave" and farting in church.  We get no respect on ESPN, blogs, media, etc. because the "fans" are making it embarrassing.  If we pack the Fieldhouse for every home game (yes it IS possible, a few mediocre NBA teams consistently do this), then this whole "What is going on with the Pacers attendance?" thing will disappear.

Whew. Rant.  Ok.  As if this wasn't enough... people were still trying to leave before the end of OT.  It was still a close game.  What are you doing?  There wasn't even enough traffic to clog up a movie theatre parking lot at this point.  It's disgusting!  And after the game?  There wasn't even really that much buzz... you know, people talking about a "tough loss," or the refs, or anything... And if we hear one more person boo Roy Hibbert, there are going to be problems.  Overheard in the uppers last night: "I pay good money to see these guys play, and he (Hibbert) can't hit a damn shot!"  Calm down.  You didn't pay good money.  You paid a couple of dollars; hell they might have even been free.  And if you did pay "good money," you got what you paid for!  An OT game, at home, with our blue and gold boys on the court.

Two things are cheap: ticket prices and talk.  Get out to a game.  If you hate it and you start having "Palace Brawl" flashbacks, then you can go suck your thumb in your crib later.  Support will not be garnered by people continuing to harbor feelings about a team that has been long gone.  She's an ex-girlfriend: JUST LET IT GO.  Support will be garnered by supporting your team. Do it. 

The Pacers play Charlotte, at home, on Wednesday night.  Anything less than a sellout is unacceptable.  If the "fans" can step up, then the players will too.

The ups, the downs, and the road back up.

The off-season for the Pacers was one of excitement and promise. Coming off a hard fought series against the Miami Heat in the 2012 playoffs, it seemed as if the Pacers were primed to take the #2 seed in the Eastern Conference and make another run deep into the post season.

Last summer, Indiana was able to re-sign 7’2” free agent center, Roy Hibbert, while also agreeing to a five-year deal with guard, and Indianapolis native, George Hill.

All five starters were back for the 2012-2013 season and the bench had been upgraded by acquiring veterans like DJ Augustin and Ian Mahinmi, while picking up rookies Orlando Johnson and Miles Plumlee in the draft.  The new season couldn’t start fast enough for this improved Pacers team and their fans. But just as the pre season ended, it became known that the Pacers would be without their front man, Danny Granger.  The Pacers announced in a press release that Granger, who has averaged 18.2 points a game as a Pacer, had received an injection to treat patellar tendinosis and would be sidelined for three months.

After losing their leading man, the Pacers started the season 8-8 in the first month with brutal losses to the Bobcats, Raptors, and the Hawks.  The only player living up to expectations was veteran, David West, who is averaging 17 points and 7 rebounds a game.  The bench seemed more like a downgrade than an upgrade, Roy Hibbert wasn’t producing numbers equivalent to his new contract and Danny Granger was far, far, far away from returning.  Doubt started to creep in and the media was already counting them out. Were the Pacers nothing without Danny Granger? Will Paul George ever reach his potential? Was last year’s success merely a product of the lockout-shortened season?

Hovering on the brink of a .500 season and losing sight of top seed playoff hopes the Pacers had an eye opening loss against the Golden State Warriors in which Paul George was held scoreless. Scoreless. Seemingly just as disgusted as the fans, George returned to Bankers Life Fieldhouse, directly from the team plane, and put up 500 shots in the gym.  Something changed for Paul George that late night in the Fieldhouse.  Since that scoreless game at Golden State, PG has scored in double figures 30 times and has recorded 12 double doubles. 

Riding the wave of Paul George’s emergence the Pacers team we had expected from the beginning of the season was finally starting to appear. George found his place on the court, Lance Stephenson became the player that Larry Bird always said he would be, and the bench proved to be the spark and defensive presence the Pacers needed.

Two wins against the Chicago Bulls. Two wins against the Miami Heat.  A buzzer beater against the Lakers. And 15 straight wins at home.

It’s been an exciting streak, but most importantly, they’ve done it with defense and team basketball; and maybe even a chip on their shoulder.

Even after beating Miami twice at home this season and winning back to back to back games after an unwelcomed schedule change, the media still writes the Pacers off in the playoffs. Constant talk still dismisses their “lack of a superstar” team. The Pacers are starting to feel as if they have been pinned with the underdog role. But then again, seeing the way Paul George made his mid-season rebound and All-star surge, maybe they like it that way.  

The Pacers are riding a 5 game win streak heading into Friday night’s match up against the Raptors. They sit at the top of the Central Division and they’re only 1.5 games behind the Knicks for second place in the Eastern Conference.

Did I mention they’ve beaten the Heat twice?

The Pacers have all the right ingredients and are peaking at the right time.  They play defense and they play for each other.

It’s time to fill the Fieldhouse and support this Pacers team.

Paul George is here, Danny Granger is coming soon, and the Pacers are back.

-Whitney Medworth @its_whitney

Ugh...

That roadtrip was tough.  The last couple of games were uber-exciting; only to be eclipsed by the fact that the Pacers lost.  What's annoying about the losses, though, is that they were winable games with subpar officiating that ultimately may have cost the Pacers their most two recent games. 

However, the team looks great, despite a rocky roadtrip, with D.J. Augustin really stepping up and the ever-getting-better Paul George knocking down highlight reel shots.  There isn't much else to say about the out of town games.  During our live tweets, the moderator began drinking and had to stop tweeting due to the extreme frustration of what could have been two W's for Indiana.  If you follow Pacers basketball and you follow the PacersPosse, then you already know how those games went down - and you would like to forget them.

Those losses put Indiana at 2nd in the Central Division (behind Chicago) and back to 5th in the East (behind New York, Brooklyn, Chicago, and Miami).  With 10 of 12 home games in February, and one of the best home records in the league, the Pacers are poised to have significant momentum heading into March.  We don't want to be too bold, but we'd like to make the prediction now, that by March 1st, the Pacers are again leading the Central and are only 1 game back from first in the East (behind either the Knicks or Heat).

Tonight the Pacers are FINALLY back home against the Pistons.  7pm.