Author: Tyler Smith

Biggest questions for the Pacers season

By TYLER SMITHISL Editor INDIANAPOLIS — Another NBA season has arrived, and the Indiana Pacers head into this year with a little more buzz than the previous few seasons. Players and fans are excited, and the expectations have been heightened. This team is extremely deep, and you could argue this roster has 14 or 15 […]

5 Bold Pacer Predictions

By TYLER SMITH (@TylerSmith_ISL)ISL Editor INDIANAPOLIS — With the NBA season tipping off in just over a week, it’s time to have some fun with bold predictions, Pacers edition. While this team is still building towards the future, there’s more of a buzz surrounding the franchise this season, and there are definite playoff aspirations. Let’s […]

Assessing the future of each Pacers player

By TYLER SMITHISL Editor INDIANAPOLIS — As I wrap up my 10th season covering the Indiana Pacers, it’s a good time for my annual assessment of each player on the roster, as we also discuss their potential fit moving forward. Overall, this season has been filled with ups and downs, but has largely been a […]

Another rebuild in Bloomington? Not so fast.

By TYLER SMITHISL Editor BLOOMINGTON — After a second-round exit in the NCAA Tournament, it’s a little difficult to fully define the ’22-’23 season for the Indiana Hoosiers. Did they underachieve their high expectations? Should they have accomplished more in the final season of one of their all-time greats? Or did they actually have a […]

Big Ten Tournament- Running Thoughts (Friday)

By TYLER SMITHISL Editor CHICAGO — It’s Friday, and we’ve got a jam-packed day of Big Ten hoops at the United Center. Lower seeds have been playing for a few days, but the teams with double-byes, including Purdue and Indiana, are ready to suit up for the first time. Side note: It took me entirely […]

Haliburton and Turner continue to thrive together

By TYLER SMITH (@TylerSmith_ISL)ISL Editor INDIANAPOLIS — When Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner share the court, good things typically happen for the Indiana Pacers. Turner has benefited from playing his natural position this season. He’s also benefited from playing with #0. And if the Pacers can keep these two guys healthy, it’s a nice start […]

Smith: It’s time to play the young bigs

By TYLER SMITHISL Editor INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Pacers were well represented at All-Star Weekend in Utah, and now it’s back to business for the blue and gold. This isn’t the “second half” of the season, but rather, the final stretch of 21 games. Does this team have a run left in them to have […]

Pacers face win/win scenario the rest of the way

By TYLER SMITH (@TylerSmith_ISL)ISL Editor INDIANAPOLIS — Before this season even began, I was writing about the win/win scenarios this season would present the Indiana Pacers. While most fans wanted to tank from day one, I at least saw a possibility of a competitive team. I also recognize the importance of getting another high draft […]

Hoosiers win 5th straight

By TYLER SMITH (@TylerSmith_ISL)ISL Editor BLOOMINGTON — Two and a half weeks ago, things looked awfully bleak for the Indiana Hoosiers. Injuries were piling up, and they had fallen to 1-4 in conference play after getting bounced by Penn State. Any thoughts of winning the Big Ten and being a lock for the NCAA Tournament […]

Steal of the draft? Andrew Nembhard continues to impress

By TYLER SMITH (@TylerSmith_ISL)ISL Editor INDIANAPOLIS — There’s something about the number 31 that just fits the Indiana Pacers. And while the 31st pick in the NBA draft is often insignificant, Pacers rookie Andrew Nembhard is quickly making 15+ teams regret overlooking him this past summer. He’s becoming a fan favorite in Indy, and already […]

Pacers Resolutions

By TYLER SMITHISL Editor INDIANAPOLIS — One year ago, the Pacers said “Good Riddance” to a rough 2021, which was capped off by a last-second loss to the Chicago Bulls. Fast forward to New Years Eve 2022, and the franchise is thankfully in a much better place. But there are still plenty of uncertainties and […]