The 2011-12 campaign for the Indiana Pacers was a memorable one. In the future, it may simply be referred to as ‘the Resurgence.’
After years of character problems on the team, finally the city had a respectable team they could root for. And a fun, talented team — not just a team comprised of high-character guys.
This was also the first season where the team was not hurting from the salary cap and could make some moves. For so many years, the Pacers wanted to make moves, wanted to get rid of players and doing so, kept putting them further in the hole.
No more.
This Pacers bunch was as close as any Pacers group has ever been according to coaches and staff members who had been with the team a couple decades or more.
Below is a timeline of what transpired in the 66-game, lockout shortened season.
– Frank Vogel named head coach.
– Brian Shaw joins Frank Vogel’s staff.
– Traded on draft night with San Antonio for Indianapolis-native George Hill.
– Acquired David West in free agency.
– Traded Brandon Rush for Lou Amundson.
– Paul George competes in NBA Dunk contest.
– Roy Hibbert plays in NBA All-Star game.
– Traded with the Raptors for Leandro Barbosa.
– First record over .500 (.636) since 2004-05.
– Fourth best winning-percentage in franchise history.
– Third best record in the Eastern Conference.
– Fifth-best record (42-24) in the league.
– First playoff series win in seven years.
– Larry Bird named Executive of the Year.
– 8 playoff games on National TV after just one during the regular season.
– Re-energized a fan base that wants to see a successful team.
[Photo via Pacers.com]