Pacers Mailbag: On the team's vibe, drop-off from last season, Nesmith's injury, Johnson's role, and Turner's future
Answering questions from paid subscribers to begin 2025. The Pacers are 16-18, good for eighth in the Eastern Conference.
Each month, I’ll open it up to paid subscribers for questions. As always, you can leave your thoughts in the comments or click here to send me an email.
Thanks to all who submitted questions.
Jeff: What do you feel like the energy is with the team right now, just being around them? I am also specifically curious about Myles with his comments relating to his attitude. I appreciated the maturity he showed, but still worrisome that he felt that way.
Hi Jeff, thanks for the question. I think the team’s energy through the first 30 games or so was directly related to the chaotic start. First, it’s emotional seeing not one, but two teammates go down with a torn Achilles tendon, the worst injury in sports, within 10 days. Including James Wiseman in Game 1 of the season.
Then it started to snowball while they played a rod-heavy schedule. Tyrese Haliburton hasn’t had a true offseason the last two summers because of injuries and his time with USA Basketball. How hurt was he to start the season?
Then Andrew Nembhard sat out. Then Aaron Nesmith suffered an injury. Then Ben Sheppard. Then Obi Toppin. The only thing that has been consistent is frequent change and new lineups.
Not an excuse, just their reality.
I do like the fact that both Wiseman and Isaiah Jackson are around the team again, including on this trip to Miami — per photos shared by the team.