An off season full of changes to the front office and roster are just a few reasons for hope as the 2008 NBA season begins for the Indiana Pacers.
After two seasons in which the off-the-court exploits ruled the headlines, the team has implemented major changes from top to bottom in hopes of better play on the floor and recapturing the interest of the fans.
After working in tandem with the now departed Donnie Walsh for several seasons, Larry Bird is now squarely in charge of the basketball operations and has wasted little time facilitating change to the team through the draft and trades. In a short span, he has dramatically overhauled the roster prompting even casual fans to sit up and take notice of the process.
Gone are Jamaal Tinsley, Shawne Williams, and David Harrison were seen as expendable due to their continual off the court problems. The Tinsley situation still lacks total resolution as the Pacers have instructed the talented, yet enigmatic, point guard to remain at home while they attempt to trade him and in the process unload the $21.4 million he is due from the team through the 2010-2011 season.
The major move of the off-season involved perennial all pro forward Jermaine O’Neal who was sent to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for point guard T.J. Ford and journeyman center Rasho Nesterovic. Ford, while plagued with injuries throughout his career, has performed admirably in the preseason and will be counted on heavily to implement coach Jim O’Brien’s up-tempo style of play. He will be backed up by Jarrett Jack who was acquired from Portland in another draft day move by Bird.
Rookie center Roy Hilbert and rookie swing man Brandon Rush will be given the opportunity to distinguish themselves early, as the Pacers are in dire need of the post presence and athleticism they bring to the table each night.
Injuries to veterans Troy Murphy and Mike Dunleavy have prevented both from participating in any meaningful minutes in the pre season with Dunleavy slated to start the regular season on the injured reserve list with tendinitis in his knee. The Pacers will look to Marquis Daniels to fill his slot in the interim and do not have a timetable for his return.
Picked by many preseason publications to miss the playoffs, this Pacer club indeed has its work cut out for it and will have to jell quickly on the defensive end of the floor to be competitive night in and night out.
The Pacers home opener is Nov. 1 against the defending World Champion Boston Celtics who feature a trio of superstars in Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and NBA Finals MVP Paul Pierce.
Tickets for the game are still available and can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com or in person at the Conseco Fieldhouse box office.
Danny Bridges can be reached at (317) 578-1780 or Bridgeshd@aol.com.
