How Will The Pacers Respond With Newfound Expectations?

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Last season, the Indiana Pacers were the surprise of the NBA as they went on a run to the Eastern Conference Finals, falling to the eventual champions the Boston Celtics. 

This year, things are going to be different. The Pacers aren’t sneaking up on anybody, and unlike last year, there are now expectations, both from the fan base and from national pundits alike. They also cannot rest on the laurels from 2023; the NBA Finals may not be on the immediate horizon, but the Pacers need to show that they’re ready to take that next step and go from a fun surprise to a consistent contender.  

So how will this young Pacers team handle the increased attention and expectations that are now on them? 

During the Wednesday edition of The Ride With JMV, John spoke to Eddie Gill of the Pacers Radio Network, who gave some insight into these new expectations that Indiana is facing. 

“It’s a team that the last couple of seasons hasn’t gone into a season with this level of expectations to go out and play at a very competitive level, a playoff-type team and those kind of things, but now the conversations have shifted. I want to see how this team handles success, and I think that’s something else that Rick Carlisle was alluding to in terms of, you cannot be content and drunk off of the success of last season. How do you handle that success and how do you take another step?” 

Eddie also gave his thoughts on what he thinks the Pacers mindset needs to be this year.  

“I think you cannot at all be content with what happened last season. Although it was a big step in the right direction, by no means is the job done…You cannot fall into the trap of ‘Oh hey we made it to the Eastern Conference Finals, we’ve arrived’ because the Atlanta Hawks not too long ago [were] in the Eastern Conference Finals also.” 

Listen to the rest of JMV’s conversation with Eddie Gill and more down below, or wherever you get your podcasts. Tune into The Ride With JMV weekdays from 3-6pm on 93.5/107.5 The Fan!