The Indiana Pacers 2009-2010 campaign is now complete, finishing 32-50. A season that at one time showed great promise, finally comes to a close with no playoffs in mind for the fourth straight year. In fact, the Pacers haven’t ended the year over .500 since the year of the brawl, 2004.
This past season was their worst in 21 years.
Unlike the Colts, the Pacers have been dreadful in the NBA draft. Even before Larry Bird, the Pacers have made some questionable picks.
2002- Fred Jones
2003- James Jones
2004- David Harrison, Rashad Wright
2005- Danny Granger, Erazem Lorbek
2006- Shawne Williams, Alexander Johnson
2007- no pick (trade for Al Harrington)
2008- Brandon Rush, Roy Hibbert
2009- Tyler Hansbrough, A.J. Price.
With the exception of the last two years, only Danny Granger panned worked out of the eight picks. Rush has yet to prove that he was a worthwhile pick, and Hansbrough was limited to just 29 games due to a troubling injury this season. The Pacers must make a change in the draft room because it is evident that the current strategy is not successful.
The Pacers tonight were just 3-22 from beyond the arc. I thought 3-pt shooting was suppose to be one of Coach O’Brien’s and the Pacers strengths? The Pacers have struggled in close games and rarely make 4th quarter comebacks.
They did finish the season winning 10 of their last 14 games. But it took way too long for this group to gel. Next season, the core of the team is expected to return pending trades.
Mike Dunleavy is under contract for one more season for around $10 million. Coming off knee surgery, he has averaged just 11ppg so don’t expect him to go anywhere.
T.J. Ford will pick up his player option for $8.5 million. The Pacers will absolutely try to trade him though it will be hard to trade a guy that couldn’t beat out Jose Calderon, Jarrett Jack, or Earl Watson.
Jeff Foster has another year left in an outrageous extension the team gave him a couple years ago. He may have some value to an experienced ball club looking to add a hard-nosed, determined player but I expect him to return.
Danny Granger obviously will be back and attempt to remain the “face of the team.” What the Pacers really need is a player better than Granger. Danny needs to be the Robin to Batman.
Tyler Hansbrough hopes to return to basketball form this offseason before he enters his “rookie” year after only playing 29 games due to an unknown inner-ear infection/concussion.
Luther Head may return out of desperation for the Pacers. He will probably not be picked up by another team and Indiana could grab him for cheap.
Roy Hibbert is playing better as time progresses. He no longer picks up fouls immediately and is able to keep himself in the game. In fact, Hibbert scored a career-high 29 points and 7 rebounds in the last game of the season at Washington.
Dahntay Jones has been a disappointment this season. He is one of the best personalities in the locker room and is a hard worker. However he hasn’t fit into Jim O’Brien’s 3pt attack. Jones came in with a defensive mindset but we didn’t see any defensive stops all season. He signed a four year contract last offseason so expect Jones to return.
Solomon Jones should return because of his impact at a minimal price. He is making just over a million a year. He is now under his final year of contract and could be a throw in for a potential trade.
Josh McRoberts has been a highlight real in the latter part of the season. I can’t see him fitting on a successful Indiana team but he may remain on the team if the Pacers can’t make significant upgrades.
Troy Murphy has been a consistent double-double. He has arguably the most trade value so I expect him to be at the center of all trades. His contract expires after next season which will allow the Pacers tremendous flexibility.
A.J. Price has been a surprise to this team. He has made an impact in his rookie season and outplayed veteran Ford. He has the potential for growth and remain a solid backup for years to come.
Brandon Rush is a guy we are all still trying to figure out. Rush lacks the motivation and focus to be a great player. He shot thus far has been far from impressive and he hasn’t been a go to shooter like Indiana was hoping. He’ll be back next year for his 3rd season.
Earl Watson will be gone. See ya. Watson signed just a one year contract last year, smart on his smart. He became the starting point guard early in the season once Ford essentially gave up. Watson is a veteran and is searching for success. I expect Watson to take a pay cut to join a championship caliber team.
This summer has a chance to be eventful. Owner Herb Simon said earlier in the week that he has given Larry Bird and David Morway his full confidence and expects them both to return for next season. Many fans and media members are calling for a change of coach and management. I understand the argument but with all under contract, it makes the most sense to completely revamp the team after next season from the top down.