Notebook: Pacers continue draft prep as Fever search for consistency
A difficult week, more NBA pre-draft workouts, Fever frustrations, Siakam and Haliburton head overseas, and notes from around basketball.
Good afternoon and welcome back to Fieldhouse Files.
The last week has been a lot — filled with emotions ranging from frustration and disbelief to gratitude for being healthy and working in sports for a living. The Fever’s decision was a direct shot at me, someone who does the work, shows up every day, and asks questions — and it directly impacts my livelihood.
I've received so many kind notes from subscribers, friends, media colleagues, and even people in the industry I hadn't previously known.
One of them was Ros Gold-Onwude, the former Stanford standout and current broadcaster. She put it well.
Former Pacer Evan Turner also spoke up, along with many others.
Honestly, I wasn't sure what to write next … so I just started writing. With that said, there's plenty happening on the court as well, so let's get you caught up.
For the Pacers, the draft is now just two weeks away.
Even without a pick, they still have plenty of work to do. That’s part of the process. It’s why they have a scouting department, and you never know when a player they’ve graded highly could become available at the right time.
The Pacers could trade back into the draft, and they also have Summer League and G League rosters to build.
That’s one reason they’re continuing to hold pre-draft workouts. They hosted several last week, including one featuring three local products. I wrote recently about Lawrence North graduate CJ Gunn, his development, and his desire to play professionally. Could that opportunity come in his hometown with the Noblesville Boom?
(Click here for my annual list of workout attendees, and is updated regularly before draft night.)
Meanwhile, the Fever (5-5) conclude a two-game road swing tonight at 7 p.m. ET against the Washington Mystics. Because renovations are ongoing at Capital One Arena, the game will be played at CareFirst Arena, a 4,200-seat venue the Mystics call home — except when they typically host the Fever.
The game will air on Peacock, NBC Sports Network, and locally on WTHR.
Last Thursday, the Fever earned a much-needed win after two straight losses and a wave of negativity. But after a strong start Saturday in New York, they faded late in a loss to the Liberty.
