A lot happens each week with the Pacers and it’s not easy to stay on top of it. Introducing a new weekly feature, Pacers Last Week, which should help keep you up-to-date on all things Pacers.
- NBA announced that an investigation was being conducted — at the request of the Pacers — to conclude whether the Los Angeles Lakers tampered with Paul George. That would mean Lakers executives (Magic Johnson and former big-time agent Rob Pelinka) influenced (or tried to, at least) George or those close to him. George grew up in Palmdale, California, just north of L.A. Pacers officials cannot comment until the investigation has been completed.
- The Pacers brought back 2016 undrafted free agent Alex Poythress, signing him to a two-way deal. Each team is allowed two, and the Pacers have already used both of them in signing rookie Edmond Sumner, and now Poythress, who was in training camp with the Pacers last fall.
- Former Mad Ants stand out Julyan Stone signed with the Charlotte Hornets.
- Jeff Teague was with the Pacers one season, and his younger brother, Marquis, played for the Mad Ants a quarter of a season. But Fort Wayne lost its rights to Marquis and Omari Johnson in the G League Expansion Draft.
- Darren Collison and Victor Oladipo VIDEO: Darren Collison plays pick-up games with LeBron James at UCLA, where Collison played from 2005-09. That’s where he celebrated his 30th birthday last Wednesday.
- The Pacers’ brand new, magnificent practice facility opened for business last Thursday. There were media tours in the morning, followed by the official ceremony and ribbon-cutting early in the afternoon. The place is place is special. And cost approximately $50 million to build. The whole thing was privately financed.
- Newcomer Damien Wilkins put the St. Vincent Center to good use this week during a nigh session.
- We now know who will present George McGinnis at his Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony next month.
- Glenn Robinson III has clearly added some muscle…
- Scot Pollard performed at Scott Long’s annual comedy show featuring local personalities.
- At a plane pull for Special Olympics of Indiana, Myles Turner and the Pacers’ representatives wore t-shirts “Pacers Against the World.” You can buy one for $24.99 from the NBA’s online store. It’s a corny saying, but it’s supposed to be a reminder that nobody believes in you, but you. And that you’re in this together.
- Before the Mayweather-McGregor fight in Las Vegas Saturday night, Pacers Hall of Famer Reggie Miller posted a photo on Instagram with … Paul George. Wonder what was discussed… (PG hung out with Draymond Green, too.)
- Pacers’ 2013 first-round pick Solomon Hill, now with New Orleans, underwent surgery after tearing his left hamstring during offseason workouts. He’s expected to be sidelined for six to eight months.
- Former Pacer Al Harrington was a member of Trilogy, The Big 3 team that went undefeated and won the first-ever tournament.
- No open date is set just yet for the new Jason’s Deli in the Pacers gift shop to open.
[Photo: @myles_turner]