With the NBA offseason concluding and training camps starting in less than a month, the final regular-season rosters for each team are beginning to take shape.
Changes in Playoff Teams
Comparing this year’s rosters, rotations, and coaching staffs to last season’s reveals significant changes among most playoff teams. The Philadelphia 76ers signed Paul George, the New York Knicks traded for Mikal Bridges, and the Orlando Magic acquired Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
Indiana Pacers‘ Strategy
One team that hasn’t made many moves is the Indiana Pacers. Aside from a draft-day trade for Johnny Furphy and signing James Wiseman to a minimum contract, they kept most of their rotation from last year. They let go of Doug McDermott, Jalen Smith, and Oscar Tshiebweโplayers who weren’t contributing much by season’s end.
Instead of chasing big names, Indiana focused on keeping their current players. They re-signed Pascal Siakam and Obi Toppin while extending T.J. McConnell’s and Andrew Nembhard’s contracts. Bennedict Mathurin and Myles Turner are likely next in line for new deals.
Conservative Approach
The Pacers have always been cautious with trades and signings. Last season’s midseason acquisition of Siakam didn’t fully pay off due to injuries to Tyrese Haliburton and Mathurin. Also, new salary-cap rules make teams wary of overspending.
Fans think this might be setting up for a big trade before Februaryโs deadline.
If they keep everyone together and re-sign Turner while extending Mathurin, they might exceed the luxury tax threshold for the first time since 2006. But if it means keeping a team that reached an unexpected Conference Finals berth intact, they seem willing to do it.
Team Chemistry
The Pacers’ chemistry looks stronger than ever. The whole team traveled to Las Vegas for Team USAโs showcase games ahead of the Olympics. Plus, Siakam hosted a summer training session with his teammatesโthis could be their most united squad in years!
Pascal Siakam hosted a Pacers Summer workout
Pacers going back to the ECF? (via @pskills43)
โ Overtime (@overtime)
The Road Ahead
While other top Eastern Conference teams made bold moves this offseason, the Pacers chose stability over risk. With a full summer of preparation and training camp ahead to integrate Siakam betterโand Haliburton plus Mathurin returning from injuriesโthe Pacers have great potential for next season.
No longer content with being just an overlooked “League Pass team,” they’re ready to make waves in the 2024-25 season!
