Last night me and the wife took in a Pacer game. First one for me in a couple of years. It was a pleasant evening, but honestly, the only reason we went was because DJ Deak was on the court with the Pacer Power Pack when they, and Boomer, did their high-flying trampoline act after the third quarter. Apparently many more decided it wasn’t worth coming out to at all. The on court product pretty much makes their case.
It was really kind of sad. A scant 8 years ago Conseco Fieldhouse was opening to rave reviews and was the home of one of the best teams in the league. In fact, the Pacers celebrated their first season in their new home by making the NBA Finals and even though they lost that series to the Lakers, the Pacers made us all proud. They played good, solid, fundamental basketball on both sides of the ball and they seemed to be really great guys.
Fast-forward to last night. The announced attendance was over 12,000, but if there was 7,000 actually there I’d be shocked. The Pacers still have the BS about us having the best 6th man in the league, but that sounds so stupid when there is no one there.
I understand the apathy towards this team. The players have had so many off court problems that it just gets to the point you don’t want to root for them as players. In fact, this morning’s news that a woman was raped at Marquis Daniel’s home over the weekend bounced right off of me. I feel for the woman, but it’s just another Pacer too close to trouble. Even if Daniels had no involvement in the action, someone he knew did. Yet these are the kind of players Larry Bird has brought here.
Besides Daniels, who does play hard, there simply isn’t much talent on the squad. JO is constantly hurt. Tinsley is hurt more and more this year after a couple of decent years. Jeff Foster is getting old and doesn’t compete like he used to. Troy Murphy hustles, but isn’t that good. Mike Dunleavy sucks. Travis Diener is a hustler, but again, that is his strong point. Talent wise this team isn’t even close. I know they’re hurt, but you have to suck it up and win some games even when it seems like you shouldn’t.
I’ve been saying for a couple of years that Larry Legend is in over his head. The fans obviously feel the same way. Indy fans may be fickle, but if you give them a team that competes and shows signs of getting better they will still back you, but this team is a disaster and the gate is showing it.
The answer? I think it’s obvious that Larry Bird has to go. All of the players are expendable, although I doubt anyone wants any of them. You have to just start over with this team. Willard wants them to just tank the rest of the season and get a high draft pick. He’s probably right. If they can draft Eric Gordon you might at least put some butts in the seats.
I hate to rag on the team because frankly I don’t feel close enough to the situation to do so, but it just makes me sad to see that beautiful arena less than half full with no real end to that situation in sight. I still love the Pacers and want them to win, but with the current team and management I just don’t see a bright future.
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