First Pacers practice all about defense, rookies discuss Day 1: 'a moment that I’ve been waiting for my whole life'

Observations from the start of the Pacers' season — with an emphasis on defense and rookies getting up to speed.

Inside the gym after practice No. 1. Notice how “We Are One” is no longer printed on the end of the floors (above McConnell’s head).

Defense, defense, defense.

“That’s basically what we did the whole day,” Pacers free-agent signee Bruce Brown said Tuesday after the first practice.

“The defense is very different from what I’ve played so just trying to get u…