When Indiana finally decided to rebuild, it was a scary leap of faith.
That puts the Pacers here — advancing to the second round against the Knicks, the Eastern Conference semifinals for the first time in 10 years. And they are not satisfied.
“Talking about getting to the playoffs is like a college where you have a really good team and you talk about getting to the Final Four. And all of a sudden, just getting to the Final Four is where you expected it to be.” So you have to think bigger than that,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. “I’ve been saying for two years now that we’re a franchise with big dreams. And we don’t know exactly what’s going to happen… [but] You must have big dreams and aspirations in order to continue to grow and improve yourself. ”
To make those dreams come true, I had to let go of my delusions.
Rebuild is a four-letter word used in the NBA, and Pacers president Kevin Pritchard and general manager Chad Buchanan acknowledged that’s exactly what they need.
At the 2022 trade deadline, the Pacers sent big man Domantas Sabonis to Sacramento in exchange for Tyrese Haliburton.
The following summer, Malcolm Brogdon headed to Boston for Aaron Nesmith and a pick.
They continued to add pieces in holdovers Myles Turner and TJ McConnell, and they quickly went from rebuild to rebuild, sooner than they expected.
“This was great. Look, when we basically had to crush this and start over 2 ¹/₂ years ago, when you start using the ‘R’ word, it can get ugly. There are teams that have been rebuilding for nine years,” Carlisle said. “Kevin and Chad struck gold with Tyrese and it was a great trade for Sacramento. And the Nesmith trade was also a key piece.
” [Obi] Toppin’s acquisition was a big one. Then we had to think about which players would stay.Miles and TJ were obvious, but then [Andrew] The second round is Nembhard, [got Pascal] Siakam signed in late January…It’s a lot of fun to be with this group. There’s nothing like working with a guy like Tyrese Haliburton every day. ”
Except winning against a guy like Haliburton.
The point guard quickly showed not only ability but also leadership. Instead of continuing to tank, the Pacers focused on finding winning pieces to put around him.
With the addition of former Nick Toppin, Nembhard, and former champion Siakam, who became a winning team, they will challenge to become a powerful team.
“One of the reasons we acquired Pascal Siakam was to not only make the playoffs, but have a chance to make the playoffs,” Carlisle said.
And now let’s try to beat the Knicks.
“I’ve seen the highs and lows of this, and I know the fans have seen the highs and lows of this for the past 10 years. I’m so happy that we’re finally getting some of the fruits of your labor. It’s unbelievable,” Turner said, adding, “We still have a lot of work to do.”
