Quick Thoughts on the Pacers’ universe
By CHRIS GOFF
ISL Correspondent
If TMZ followed basketball players this offseason, would the entertainment network have noticed Lance Stephenson’s goings-on? Did they, anyway?
Less than two months remain for the Pacers to extend Paul George. Otherwise, the blossoming superstar will hit free agency next summer. Make no mistake: Indy will offer, or has offered, a max extension. Why would George set a precedent by turning it down? When a team dangles a giant wad of cash in front of a player’s face for the first time, he says yes. That’s the way it’s always been. That’s the way it always will be.
George is worth every penny. The only way the Pacers could lose the negotiation is by including an opt-out in the deal. While I suspect there’s very little chance of that happening, Indiana did give opt-outs to Roy Hibbert and David West, so the possibility cannot be ruled out entirely, though it would be a huge mistake.
Whether he starts or not, Danny Granger will take some of George’s touches. It sets up an interesting dynamic when the two share the court. George is a humble athlete, and so is Granger, but the two understand their gifts. George said before last season that people expected him to escape the shadow of Granger and Hibbert. Imagine how George feels now. He’s not taking a backseat.
When Frank Vogel spoke at a public forum recently, he vowed to cool it on the sidelines next season. Vogel was hit with nine technical fouls last year, most among NBA coaches. Managing emotions better is a goal for everyone. It’s an especially wise move for coaches, who by accumulating techs draw more attention from officials. With more scrutiny from refs, the more likely they are to hear statements considered actionable.
The Pacers won their division last season. It won’t be so easy to repeat. Chicago coach Tom Thibodeau told Bulls TV, “I think the Central Division is as strong as it’s been in a long time from top to bottom. Indiana continues to add quality players to their team. Cleveland will be dangerous. I think Detroit has added a lot with Josh Smith. Milwaukee, everyone tends to overlook, but I think they’re going to be very good as well.” Thibodeau’s Bulls get Derrick Rose back from injury. He’s right. It’s much-improved.
The Pacers continue to receive financial support from the city of Indianapolis. A proposed budget of the Capital Improvement Board includes $21 million for the Pacers for another year. That breaks down to $11 million for the operation of Bankers Life Fieldhouse and $10 million for arena upgrades. The existing contract between the city and team runs through June 2014. These subsidy agreements – controversial to some – are becoming entrenched, although they help ensure the Pacers stay in town. The Pacers don’t own Bankers Life Fieldhouse, which complicates the matter. On the one hand, the city is almost like a landlord with a duty in upkeep. On the other, the Pacers take all revenue from the arena’s use.
While the Pacers have a lease at Bankers Life Fieldhouse until 2019, deals such as the one the city revealed Wednesday require the Pacers to pay back tens of millions if they want to leave. What the agreements truly amount to are a demonstration of civic commitment to a sports team. Debate comes over whether that $21 million could be put to a greater civic use. Columnist Matthew Tully outlined that thinking in the Indianapolis Star. But, undoubtedly, the city has shown the Pacers much love.
West turned 33 on Thursday. Something tells me that, unlike Chris Bosh, West’s birthday party did not include live camels, belly dancers and fire eaters. Just a hunch.
Miles Plumlee turned 25 on Sunday. Something tells me that, unlike West, part of his celebration included finding a new home. Plumlee told the Arizona Republic that the Suns’ up-tempo style is “going to fit me well.”
Fab Melo just might be the next David Harrison.
What if Boomer and his cohorts on the end-of-third-quarter dunk routine did a few performances at halftime? Not even jams, necessarily. Maybe some HORSE. Trick shots. Harlem Globetrotters stuff. Every once in a while, they’d be an improvement over a tired act like QuickChange.
