The summer is the time when NBA teams reassess their situation, how they are going about finding players, developing players, and providing for players.
NBA organizations are spending more money than ever in the investment of their players and the support staff around the team. We’re seeing both the expansion of departments and the creation of new jobs.
Pacers President of Basketball Operations Larry Bird first decided that a change in head coach was needed, so he promoted Nate McMillan. The veteran coach then kept the other two assistants on staff and hired a third, Bill Bayno, and also added a player development coach in David McClure.
[Pacers 2016-17 schedule released, host Mavs in season opener]
Now, about one month before camp commences and two months before the regular season tips, more changes have been made on the basketball side of Pacers Sports & Entertainment — according to the staff directory.
Scouting
Galilea has extensive front office experience.
The scouting department has the country covered but they needed a full-time evaluator overseas after Pete Philo moved on from the organization in the spring.
To fill his void, José Luis Galilea has been added.
The scouting department, led by Ryan Carr, now is eleven deep and includes eight full-time scouts, each in charge of a territory, along with the advance scout, who travels to different NBA arenas to be prepared for the Pacers’ upcoming opponents.
[Podcast: Pete Philo on NBA scouting and Pro Scout School]
Video
![Dather is a local product, from Hamilton Southeastern. [Photo: @IndianaMBB]](https://i0.wp.com/www.vigilantsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Tim-Dather-hired-by-Pacers-as-video-coordinator.jpg?resize=153%2C179)
Dather is a local product. [Photo: @IndianaMBB]
Taking over is newcomer Tim Dather, who was both an undergraduate and graduate manager for the Indiana University men’s basketball team. Dather is also a graduate of Hamilton Southeastern High School.
Michael DiBenedetto, who was one of three assistant video coordinators, is no longer on staff.
Other
Andrei Mikhailau joins the team as the full-time massage therapist. That role was held for the past several years by Fadi Kazma. In that role, Mikhailau travels with the team and treats players daily.
[Pacers Podcast with head athletic trainer Josh Corbeil]
Also noteworthy: Carl Eaton‘s job title now reads: Associate Head Athletic Trainer/Physical Therapist … changed from Physical Therapist/Assistant Athletic Trainer. Strength coach Shawn Windle saw his title change to Director of Sports Performance/Assistant Athletic Trainer.