Pacers Media Day- “Time to prove ourselves.”
By TYLER SMITH
ISL Editor
INDIANAPOLIS — Another NBA season is upon us, and the Indiana Pacers are out to “prove themselves” all over again. This time, they’ll be trying to silence the doubters with a much different looking group.
This year’s Media Day had a bit of a different feel to it. There wasn’t a ton of talk about expectations. It was very business-like, while still keeping that light-hearted feel we’ve come to expect from the blue and gold.
Here were some of the best quotes from this year’s Media Day:
Nate McMillan-
-“For us, this is a year of proving it. We’ve brought in seven new free agents. We all have something to prove this season. For the last three years, we’ve had decent seasons but it’s been 1st round and out. It’s a year to prove ourselves.”
-“This year, starting those two (Turner and Sabonis), I’m hoping that our rebounding will be much better. Sometimes we’ll change the match-up from game to game. We’ll usually have Myles guarding the basket. Domantas has been working on his defense to be able to guard stretch fours.”
-“The excitement of this group is not just for this season. This team will be together for the next few years. We’re really excited for the future of this group. The future is bright for the Pacers.”
Victor Oladipo-
-“Rehabbing is pretty strategic. But your mind is another muscle you have to work on in this process. I’m focused on my mindset, and getting my mind back in game-shape too.”
-“When they called me to tell me we had a shot at him (Brogdon), I was very ecstatic. When they called me back to tell me it actually happened, I was very very very ecstatic. He speaks for himself. He’s a great player.”
-“We did a great job in free agency. We could be special. It’s up to us to see how special we can actually be.”
-“I think we’re the best team in the East. And I’m going to think that every year. I’m not going into no season worried about anybody else.”
Myles Turner-
-“Domas (Sabonis) and I have been talking about playing together for a long time. I’m looking forward to it. I think we’ll bring a lot to the table.”
-“I want to take another step defensively. Offensively, I’ve been producing at a decent level, but not the level I’m capable of. And being a bigger voice, especially while Vic is out.”
Malcolm Brogdon-
“I’m going to do whatever this team needs. I’m here to win games. This team is competitive, young, hungry, and humble guys with super low ego. Guys are focused.”
“I’m a good decision-maker, and I’m a winner. Those are the main things I can bring to the table. I’m looking forward to being a leader, and eventually playing with Vic. I think we’ll compliment each other well and we can be the best defensive backcourt in the NBA, and one of the best on offense.”
-“I think it’s the best fit I’ve had in my NBA career (playing with Oladipo). It’s rare to have two-way players like this that can create and also defend at a high level.”
