It’s been a long and challenging season for the Indiana Pacers. They’ve been hit by unforeseen circumstances both on the court (Paul George) and off (Chris Copeland). Through it all, Pacers coach Frank Vogel and his staff have done an enormous job to piece through it at one point, just field a competitive team on game night as his active list was decimated by injuries.
Prior to this season, Vogel signed a multi-year extension and that proved to be even more important because of the year they have had. Ups and downs. Highs and lows. And some ridiculousness.
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Remember opening night, when the Pacers were without Paul George, George Hill, C.J. Watson and David West? Vogel, in his fifth season as the lead man, has done his best job yet.
Frank Vogel is a player’s coach, always checking in with his players and ensuring they are all on the same page — as he did here with veteran David West during camp.
During this roller coaster of a season, Vogel, an optimist by nature, has been a steadying influence to the team. One of his best attributes is the ability to understand the locker room and each individual.
While other coaches may have gotten under the skin of guys, intentionally or not, Vogel’s in their corner every time — even if it means being called for 10 technical fouls, which ties him with New York’s Derek Fisher for the most among coaches.
“Coach hasn’t allow any doubt to seep in,” said West. “He’s remained positive and he’s tried to remain upbeat and keep us in the fight.”
Staying in the fight in the team’s theme as they wrap up their 82-game schedule Wednesday night in Memphis. A win would be No. 39 for the year, and guarantee them a spot in the playoffs for the fifth consecutive year.
“Coach has just been on us about the fact that we’re going to have an opportunity if we took care of our business this last week and a half,” West continued. “It just comes down to one game now.”
In a year where just one guy, second-year wing Solomon Hill, will be the only one to have played in all 82 games, Vogel has made due with what he’s had at his disposal. 12 players in all have combined to miss 219 games. For perspective, last year’s team missed 69 games all year.
“We have great character,” Vogel said after Tuesday’s double-overtime win over the Wizards. “We’ve known that about this group for a few years now. I just love being part of this group, watching them get out there and compete and persevere through the adversity. I love this team.”
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Under these circumstances, that’s why Vogel was exactly who this team needed to keep the ship afloat. Those seven-game losing streaks wear on guys, especially when they’re playing big minutes and hearing a lot of negativity from the outside. Oh, and tanking with this bunch? Not a chance.
“The NBA is a long season,” said the 34-year-old West. “It’s a war of attrition at times, and sometimes you can bottom-out. He just hasn’t allowed us to do that.”