I agree Bob. We almost certainly aren't a Finals contender without Hali (I read he's finally embracing this nickname) and Myles but I don't think the East is that strong this year so I'd be pretty surprised NOT to see the Pacers make the playoffs. Too good defensively (who would have thought we'd say that a few seasons back) and the system is too good to not get them to at least that level. My gut is that the Pacers will finish ahead of the Bucks and Myles will end up regretting his move despite the extra $$. Love this team. Probably even more than the first Reggie Era (Dale, Rik, Antonio, etc.) and I never thought that would be possible. Here's to an exceeds expectations bench development, evaluation, and general pain in everyone else's ass year and then another run at the Finals next season. GO Cer's
I don't think it is in Mathurin's DNA to play the offensive style of last year's Pacers. However, I do think it is in Rick Carlisle's DNA to adapt the offense to showcasing Mathurin's strengths. This year we will go as far as Mathurin (&Walker) take us.
I agree Bob. We almost certainly aren't a Finals contender without Hali (I read he's finally embracing this nickname) and Myles but I don't think the East is that strong this year so I'd be pretty surprised NOT to see the Pacers make the playoffs. Too good defensively (who would have thought we'd say that a few seasons back) and the system is too good to not get them to at least that level. My gut is that the Pacers will finish ahead of the Bucks and Myles will end up regretting his move despite the extra $$. Love this team. Probably even more than the first Reggie Era (Dale, Rik, Antonio, etc.) and I never thought that would be possible. Here's to an exceeds expectations bench development, evaluation, and general pain in everyone else's ass year and then another run at the Finals next season. GO Cer's
Great article, Bob!
I don't think it is in Mathurin's DNA to play the offensive style of last year's Pacers. However, I do think it is in Rick Carlisle's DNA to adapt the offense to showcasing Mathurin's strengths. This year we will go as far as Mathurin (&Walker) take us.