Pacers offseason: fan questions
As free agency begins, Pacers fans have several questions about the team’s season and future:
1. “Do you think Larry is to blame for messing up the teams chemistry by trading Granger and picking up Bynum/Turner?” From: (@ColtsPacersJosh)
Larry Bird stated that everyone needs to do better: The front office, the players, and the coaching staff. However, I don’t believe these trades had much of an impact on how things ended up. Danny Granger’s locker room presence was a little overblown. He wasn’t even playing when the Pacers made their deep run last season. The fact was, he wasn’t playing very well this year. Bird actually made the trade because he already saw the problems arising. Turner and Bynum certainly didn’t work out, but you can’t blame Bird for trying.
2. “Do you agree that the core group has earned the right to try to prove themselves next year? Basically in regards to George Hill? From: (@nhazel_matt419)
I would personally look to acquire a true point guard in the offseason. However, I do agree with Larry Bird that the core of this team should be kept together. This core may or may not be good enough to get over the hump. But if you break up this talented core, you better have excellent replacements for them, or you’ll take a step backward.
3. I received several questions regarding Lance Stephenson. Do I think he will be back? Do I think he SHOULD be back?
I wrote a piece on Lance Stephenson right as the season ended. I believe he will be back, and the Pacers would be crazy to let him leave. Check out my full article on Lance Stephenson here: http://www.indysportslegends.com/2014/05/30/letting-lance-stephenson-go-huge-mistake/
4. “The absence of B Shaw this yr had a big impact. Curious if Bird plans to replace/add an AC to fill that void, McMillan didn’t.” From (@BoilerColts)
I agree that the Pacers really missed Brian Shaw. He had a very special bond with guys like Paul George and Lance Stephenson. He would’ve helped the sinking ship this past season. Even so, Nate McMillan is a good assistant coach. The full coaching staff is expected to return. Larry Bird would like to see a little more accountability out of the staff, and even vowed to give a guy like Lance Stephenson more attention (assuming he’s back). Frank Vogel is still learning as a young coach. This season was a tough one to manage, and we’ll see if he can improve in this area.
5. “Will we get to see more of Cope this year?” From: (@1997Davis)
Chris Copeland is under contract for this coming season but there is no guarantee he’ll be back with the team. I can’t imagine Frank Vogel inserting him into the rotation if he never really gave him a chance this season. I didn’t agree or understand with the decision to let him rot on the bench. Moving forward, I’d be surprised if he played much in a Pacer uniform. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him traded (and then score double-figures for another team like Green/Augustin and others).
6. “If the Pacers don’t get off to a quick start, is there a chance Larry blows up the team or staff by the Trade Deadline?” From: (@ScottieRock28)
If Bird was going to blow up this team, it would be this offseason, not in the middle of next year. Considering the Eastern Conference will still be pretty weak, it would be pretty surprising if the Pacers got off to a bad start. Even with all of the problems in the 2nd half last year, the Pacers record after the all-star break would’ve still been a four or five seed in the conference. I think the Pacers will regroup and contend for a top three seed again next season.
7. “The team likely needs a trade this offseason to upgrade a position or bench. What do you think is most likely scenario/who traded?” From: (@gollygeology)
I think Larry Bird will look for a trade to improve the club, but that doesn’t mean anything will surface. If nothing else, Bird will give one more crack at upgrading the bench while keeping the starting unit in tact. The Pacers could really benefit from a 6th man scorer that they thought Evan Turner would become. If they could bring in that one guy who would create his own shot with the second unit, it would greatly improve the team. George Hill is the only starter I could see getting moved, but even that might be a longshot. Look for Larry Bird to get creative with the minimal cap space, and trades within the second unit.
8. “If Lance isn’t back, what moves would you make?” From: (@JChapmani65)
Lance Stephenson really fits with this Pacers team, and is probably even underrated to most fans from the outside looking in. If by chance he leaves via free agency, Larry Bird would have to go into scramble mode. I’m not sure there’s a scenario out there that would make the Pacers a better team than last season if Lance Stephenson is not part of it. I’m assuming Bird would consider making George Hill more of a combo guard, while searching for a true point.
9. “Why are we not making any attempt to better our bench? Or making any moves at all for that matter? Something has to change!” From: (@efrank24)
It’s still very early in the offseason. Larry Bird’s patience has paid off big-time in the past (landing David West comes to mind). I agree that something has to change for the Pacers, and I believe it will. Right now, it’s all speculation as to what moves the Pacers will make. Larry Bird usually finds a way to surprise the fans with a move they didn’t see coming. If the core is back, and the bench is improved, the Pacers will be right in the thick of things once again.
Thanks for your questions. Continue the conversation through twitter by following @sports_tys_20. Continue checking IndySportsLegends.com this offseason for more Pacers news!
