Rick Carlisle disagrees with $100K fine, shocked by NBA evaluation process
Back home for a four-game homestand, the Pacers are navigating new injuries, roster moves, Tyrese Haliburton’s absence, and fallout from the NBA’s $100K fine.
Good afternoon and welcome back to Fieldhouse Files. The Pacers are back in town for a four-game homestand, which began on Sunday, after not having a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse since Feb. 3.
They are now 15-43 after losing three straight games out of the All-Star break. For a team that has dealt with injuries all season, leading to inconsistent rotations and 31 different starting lineups, the final seven weeks of the regular season is about the younger guys getting a bigger opportunity — and what they do with it.
It’s about having a growth mindset.
Forward Jarace Walker, who’s in his third NBA season, is taking full advantage. He’s averaging 16.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game over the last 10 games. And he’s reached double figures in 13 consecutive games, including posting back-to-back double-doubles at Washington.
He’s playing 30 minutes per game and you can see his confidence continue to grow.
It’s been a story-filled last week.
Today I’ll cover the latest on the injury front, a team executive leaving, the loss of a member of the PS&E family, a former Pacer involved in a trade, Tyrese Haliburton coming down with shingles, and Rick Carlisle sharing his frustration for the team’s recent fine from the NBA.
News & Notes…
Injury report for Tuesday: Nesmith and Zubac remain out — along with Haliburton, Furphy, and Toppin. Kam Jones and Micah Potter are probable; Nembhard and McConnell are questionable; Siakam, now dealing with a left wrist sprain, is doubtful.
Nesmith isn’t expected to play this week due to a right ankle sprain.
The Pacers are having to manage the number of active games left for their three two-way players — Quenton Jackson, Ethan Thompson, Taelon Peter — so that’s why the players may be at a game, but inactive.
Including four girls high school state finals games on Saturday, The Fieldhouse will host eight games in eight days.
Ryan Carr is leaving his post as senior vice president of player personnel for a newly-created position with Indiana University basketball — executive director of basketball. That was finalized on Monday.
Point guards Tyrese Haliburton and T.J. McConnell both posted on social media wishing him well, which says a lot about Carr.
Pacers Power Pack, the dunk team, lost a member of its team. The organization announced on Monday that Mikey Gray — who went by “T-Rex” — recently passed away. He had been a member of the Power Pack since 2018 and will be missed. I’ve seen many posts on Instagram from members of the team’s entertainment crew and they were devastated by the news.
Kids to Jay and Lindsay Huff for providing a memorable experience.
Former Pacers guard Victor Oladipo was involved in a trade. This one came in the G League. He was acquired by the Cleveland Charge. He’s determined to return to the NBA in any capacity after dealing with multiple serious injuries.
Noblesville Boom center Samson Johnson (out of UConn) reached a contract buyout agreement with the team over the weekend to pursue an opportunity overseas. This happens with a few players each season as guys want to make extra money overseas when they can.
Pascal Siakam wore an Indiana University t-shirt to their game on Sunday against Dallas.
Caitlin Clark’s response to this post was fantastic. If you didn’t know, she loves warm chocolate chip cookies.
Haliburton Away From Team With Shingles
Tyrese Haliburton has already been ruled out for the season as he rehabs from a torn Achilles tendon. Now, he’s dealing with something more.
