Feel the Pace: Cody Estrada takes over the Indiana Pacers (2024 End of Season) - Cobar20's Blog

Cobar20's Blog

Feel the Pace: Cody Estrada takes over the Indiana Pacers (2024 End of Season)

Posted on July 24, 2023 at 01:39 AM.

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Pacers Season End Review 2024
Cody Estrada just finished his end of year press conference where he expressed his disappointment for the 2024 Indiana Pacers. He did however, expressed a responsibility to get better and then spoke to the great potential of his young squad. He shook off questions of head coach Rick Carlisle being on the hot seat, referencing his past success in Dallas and Detroit. He then said he failed Coach Carlisle and his staff by not providing them the opportunity to succeed. As Estrada entered his office, he felt the pressure of the media and fanbase to succeed. He has fallen in love with the city. He appreciates the basketball culture and love the fans have for their team, the last thing he wants to do is fail them.

As for the team, they concluded the season 30-52. The offense did improve as Tyrese Haliburton became more aggressive, Treyvon Okoye solidified himself as a starter and Ben Mathurin felt comfortable in his new starting role. However, they did finish with the most turnovers in the league, were bottom ten in scoring offense, and bottom three in field goal percentage. Defensively, Isaiah Jackson continued to prove that his is a star, averaging 2.2 blocks and 1.5 steals a game. Okoye gained the experience of guarding superstars like Jayson Tatum, Kevin Durant and Damian Lillard. He seemed to do better on the quick guards rather than big wings at this point in his career. A focus will be for his to improve his strength and weight to not get bullied by big wings. As a unit, they allowed the third most points per game, but did hold opponents to respectable shooting percentages. They also finished first in the league in rebounding.

Roster Grading
Tyrese Haliburton-Ended the season as better scorer, ending the year averaging 17 points per game on 47/43/85 shooting. He also upped his playmaking, getting 7 assists per game. He's very solid defensively, with 1.7 steals per game. Usually he sticks to the other team's second or third option to help him reserve some energy for the offensive end. He is hoping to ride his upward trajectory into next season in order to insert himself back into the all star conversation.
A-
Ben Mathurin- Showed he can guard his position, holding up fine in a starting role. He did contribute 16.1 points a game on 42% shooting. He was streaky, having games where he couldn't miss and games when he couldn't throw a ball in an ocean. The team is confident he will continue to grow as a starter next season.
B
Treyvon Okoye- Proved to be a solid defender, often taking on the biggest offensive threat from the other team. He did also average 1.1 steals a game. Offensively, he showed great playmaking and offensive rebounding ability. Often times he was on triple double watch. However, his main goal for the summer is he shooting and shot selection. He only shot 36% from the field and 29% from three. This has to improve in order to be a starter on a top tier team. The team envisions he can help Haliburton as a second or thrid ball handler and playmaker, possibly staggering his minutes to provide more playmaking for the second unit next year.
B-
Jerami Grant- The second leading scorer of the team at 16.6 a game. However, he did turn over the ball almost two times a game. Showed versatility playing mostly at the 4 but showed some good production playing the 3 sometimes on the second unit. He continues to show he is a solid starter, however it is unclear if he can be the second option on a playoff team. He seems to be what he is, a decent scorer who can give minutes guarding big wings like Durant, LeBron or Tatum. He slots in to the starting 4 spot for next year.
C+
Isaiah Jackson- Flashed the potential to be a terrific rim protector and defensive anchor. Estrada is very excited to see him grow in the summer. Offensively, his field goal percentage grew to 50% as he cut out most of his outside shooting in the second half of the season. Turnovers hurt him as he averaged 1.8 a game. If he can lock in his role as a rim running defensive anchor, he has the potential to be a fridge all star player.
B+
Jalen Smith- Most of the season, Smith came off the bench. This frustrated him immensely. He only shot 28% from three but did score 10.8 points and 9 rebounds per game. He flashed some ability as a shot blocker with over a block a game, showing his best position defensively is at the 5. He finishing ability combats his ability to play the 5 offensively, which is the reason he mostly came off the bench. With his contract expiring, it'll be interesting to see how Estrada and Indiana offers him a deal.
C
Jackie Strawberry- The rookie point guard did well in his full time backup point guard role towards the end of the season. Even having a game where he finished with 25 points and a game where he had 10 assists. He can definitively playmake and has the potential to be a truly great backup point guard in the NBA. However, his 36% shooting from the field and 33% shooting from three has to improve. The Pacers see him as the backup PG to start next season.
C+
TJ McConnell- McConnell battled with Strawberry for the backup PG role. His shooting of 38% and 22% from three is the missing piece. He provided decent playmaking with almost 4 assists per game. He also continued to play pesky defense on opposing ball handlers. His contract is up and depending on what McConnell wants, he may not return.
C
Evan Fournier- Fournier was a perfect addition, providing veteran leadership and a scoring punch when given the opportunity. An injury to Mathurin gave Fournier a chance to start for a couple weeks, where he scored 12 points per game on 52% shooting. He may have earned a chance to crack a rotation on a team next year. Although the Pacers loved his contribution, they agreed that he is better suited on a contending team next season.
B
Daniel Theis- Another good veteran presence whose minutes fluctuated throughout the season. He's a smart and reliable player who gives some stretch ability at the 5. Averaged 5 and 4 in just 10 minutes per game. Theis will test free agency this offseason but Indiana is interested on bringing him back if he wants to fill the veteran leader role next year.
C
Thaddeus Young- Just like Theis and Fournier, his minutes were reduced once the Pacers committed to seeing what the young players offered them. He gave a good defensive spark and a good rebounding presence. Young has contemplated retirement, expressing he wants to be part of a rotation or just hang it up.
C
Andrew Nembhard- In the second half of the season, Nembhard got a chance to show his playmaking ability with more minutes. However, it's hard to see where he fits next year with young players like Mathurin, Strawberry and Okoye giving good minutes. He's a big guard who still struggles defensively and only shoots 38% from the floor. It is hard to see how Nembhard fits on the team next year.
D+
Ontrel Ali- Spent most of the year in the G-League. His shooting is still his biggest struggle. He got a few games to show what he has, but only shot 31% from the field and 26% from three in 13 games. His lack of playmaking also hinders his chance of getting on the floor. His frustration with time in the G-League and lack of production may lead to him finding a new team next season.
D-
Robin Lopez- Appeared in 6 games, however gave Jackson and Jalen Smith some good lessons and kept the locker room enjoyable in the mist of a losing season. Knowing his playing days are coming to an end, Lopez will work this summer to see if he can get on a team for next season.
C

Overall D+
The second half was better than the first, but the season was too far gone by the time the team was rolling. The initial exceptions of a playoff run failed. This forced Indiana to give their vets less minutes in order to provide valuable experience to younger players. Next year might be a make or break year for Estrada, as the team definitely has lost their excitement and playoff hopes for this group.