Official Indiana Pacers Thread

[WTF]

I have to admit, that since running with the Pacers in NBA 2K11, I've became a fan of the team. This team has some great pieces, and with the right moves, could make it to the playoffs and have a pretty good season.

Collison was a stellar pickup, for only losing Murphy. I was never a fan of Murphy, so I really like this pickup. Collison is a legit Starting PG,and wouldn't get his shine in NO behind Paul.

Granger and George/Stephenson could complete a great 1,2,3 duo. Not nearly as formidable as LBJ, Wade, filler, but still, a very nice trio.

Add to the mix a leaner and determined Roy Hibbert, and you have a very nice starting 4. I haven't really figured out the 4 slot just yet. I have McRoberts running the 4 right now, but not really too impressed with him. If the Pacers can trade Dhantay for a formidable PF, then this team could land a 6/7 seed in the East.

Granted, Stephenson hasn't set foot in Conseco due to his off the court problems, and they're battling injuries early in the preseason but started to look decent at the end. Look forward to meeting the Spurs and kicking off the season.

2K11 owner becoming a semi-fan.

[z Revis]

Always nice to have other Pacers fans around. Hopefully you stick around. Not many Pacers fans here at OS aside from AuburnAlumni and RiderGH from what I know.

Anyway, I'm excited for this year. I LOVE the Collison pickup. Murphy was pretty good, but our problems were at PG. We haven't had that legit PG in a long time, even in the Reggie Miller days. I don't think we'll miss Murphy one bit.

The biggest thing I'm interested in this year is seeing how improved Hibbert is. He had an awesome game 1 against the Spurs with, IIRC, 33 points. 9 boards, and 3 blocks. We need that big man presence and of course the scoring never hurts. He's in his 3rd year. This should be the year that he makes that leap, if he ever does. I'm still skeptical, but he's a promising player and I'm hopeful he'll be able to fill that void.

One thing we have to be able to do is close out games. I've said it time and time again over the past 3 or so years. We're in virtually every game, regardless of the opponent, but every time the scoreboard hits the 4th quarter, we fall apart. And even if we manage to stay consistent throughout the 4th, we'll make key mistakes at the end of the game. That may just be something that will come with experience. A lot of youngsters on this team.

Overall, I'm excited for this year. Hopefully it'll be one that ends with a Playoff appearance. I don't care what we do if we get there, I just want us to get back there.

[HealyMonster]

I with you revis, Id just like to be watching important games down the stretch/ a few playoff games. Im not greedy, at least with the pacers for now lol.

[HealyMonster]

Quote: Originally Posted by WTF

I have to admit, that since running with the Pacers in NBA 2K11, I've became a fan of the team. This team has some great pieces, and with the right moves, could make it to the playoffs and have a pretty good season. Collison was a stellar pickup, for only losing Murphy. I was never a fan of Murphy, so I really like this pickup. Collison is a legit Starting PG,and wouldn't get his shine in NO behind Paul. Granger and George/Stephenson could complete a great 1,2,3 duo. Not nearly as formidable as LBJ, Wade, filler, but still, a very nice trio. Add to the mix a leaner and determined Roy Hibbert, and you have a very nice starting 4. I haven't really figured out the 4 slot just yet. I have McRoberts running the 4 right now, but not really too impressed with him. If the Pacers can trade Dhantay for a formidable PF, then this team could land a 6/7 seed in the East. Granted, Stephenson hasn't set foot in Conseco due to his off the court problems, and they're battling injuries early in the preseason but started to look decent at the end. Look forward to meeting the Spurs and kicking off the season. 2K11 owner becoming a semi-fan.

who were you a fan of until now? or were you just a casual basketball fan and didnt really have a fave? Ill tell you now is the time to start following them, like you said they are an up and coming team with some pieces. Ive been a fan since prob 92-93 i was about 11-12 and was a Reggie Miller nut.

[WTF]

I've been a Cavs fan since the late 80's, up until Game 3 of last years ECF. I can probably find the post where I quit if I look hard enough, haha. Watching the team quit, and not put forth an effort, I quit caring. Game 5 took the cake though. I'm still watching them, but was wanting a "fresh start". It's fun seeing a new team, and seeing what steps a young team can take.

My wife is from Indy, so she has a connection to the area. I told her I couldn't be a Pacer fan, but I started up an Association in 2k11, and starting getting to know the team and the players, and really like the way that they're set up. Some really nice youth, and some established guys in the league. I'm still not a Dunleavy fan, but I guess he'll suffice.

TJ Ford pulled it through last night. That fake pass layup in the final 2 minutes was nice. I like Ford, and what he brings to this team. He's the guy that I think can really keep this team focused and get that go ahead bucket that they need.

Granger played a great game last night, other than not using his head and committing the 6th foul. If he wants to take the next step, he has to be smarter than that.

Hibbert didn't have that dominant presence last night, but he still defended well. I'm gonna hate it when I don't have the Free Pass BB, and can't watch the team. I'll have to stream it online I guess.

Nice win though.

[cbhock]

Quote: Originally Posted by z Revis

Always nice to have other Pacers fans around. Hopefully you stick around. Not many Pacers fans here at OS aside from AuburnAlumni and RiderGH from what I know. Anyway, I'm excited for this year. I LOVE the Collison pickup. Murphy was pretty good, but our problems were at PG. We haven't had that legit PG in a long time, even in the Reggie Miller days. I don't think we'll miss Murphy one bit. The biggest thing I'm interested in this year is seeing how improved Hibbert is. He had an awesome game 1 against the Spurs with, IIRC, 33 points. 9 boards, and 3 blocks. We need that big man presence and of course the scoring never hurts. He's in his 3rd year. This should be the year that he makes that leap, if he ever does. I'm still skeptical, but he's a promising player and I'm hopeful he'll be able to fill that void. One thing we have to be able to do is close out games. I've said it time and time again over the past 3 or so years. We're in virtually every game, regardless of the opponent, but every time the scoreboard hits the 4th quarter, we fall apart. And even if we manage to stay consistent throughout the 4th, we'll make key mistakes at the end of the game. That may just be something that will come with experience. A lot of youngsters on this team. Overall, I'm excited for this year. Hopefully it'll be one that ends with a Playoff appearance. I don't care what we do if we get there, I just want us to get back there.

Whoa, whoa, what about Mark Jackson? He played a great point guard for us. And I know he wasn't the greatest shooter in the world, but Vern Fleming was a pretty good point guard too in my opinion.

Having moved from Indy, I don't get to watch the Pacers much anymore, but damn if I didn't enjoy the Chuck person, then Reggie Miller teams. I don't know how old you are Z, but the Pacers used to be a lot of fun to follow.

[HealyMonster]

Awesome game tonight. Wish I could see the post game show, directive cuts it off right away. I am liking hansbrough. I would prefer him in over Solomon jones

[WTF]

Hansbrough is a nice talent. That And 1 that he had last night was a big time spark, that got some momentum for the guys. He makes some dumb decisions sometimes, but he's still "getting it" and learning the ropes. He'll be a nice piece to the squad.

Collison
Granger
Hibbert
Hansbrough
George
Stephenson (if he develops a brain)

That's a very tight young nucleus... very talented. I know I'm missing some, but it's early here still, and I'm not awake yet.

TJ Ford continues to get the big bucket when needed... the bucket at the end of the 1st half built some momentum, the rainbow 3 in the 4th... All around asset.

Good game fellas.