McMillan huddles up with the team to end practice.
The Nate McMillan Era with the Indiana Pacers officially began Tuesday morning at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The offseason belonged to Larry Bird, tasked with the job of drafting and acquiring players to fit the team and the system.
Now, it’s in the hands of the veteran coach who’s entering his 13th season as an NBA coach.
McMillan set the tone for the season Tuesday by emphasizing defense at the team’s first practice of the season. That’s noteworthy considering defense, a staple of Pacers basketball, was secondary during camp last season as the team tried to upgrade its offense.
They tried last season. This season, coach says they finally have the personnel.
“I’ve seen what (Bird) has tried to do and the direction that he wants to go with the roster,” he said. “He has now done that. He has brought in the players I think that can play style now.”
After their first of two practices held on Tuesday, several Pacers met with the media. Watch those below.
Coach Nate McMillan:
Paul George and Jeff Teague:
Pacers ahead of the annual conditioning test: