Pacers’ 2025 Draft primer: After Finals run, front office shifts to draft — with big decisions ahead
Indiana’s front office pivots quickly from a Finals loss to the NBA Draft, with no first-round pick (after a recent trade) and big roster decisions ahead — starting with Myles Turner.
The Indiana Pacers’ season came to a screeching halt late Sunday. They returned to Indianapolis after a disappointing Game 7 loss.
And just like that, it’s on to next season.
The front office and scouting department will gather tonight at the Ascension St. Vincent Center in downtown Indianapolis for night one of the NBA Draft. For the second straight year, the league is giving each round its own day.
Only this time, Day 2 (on Thursday) is at the same location: Barclays Center in Brooklyn. (There have been two rounds since 1989.)
Unless there’s an advantageous trade appears, Wednesday should be quiet for the team. It’s now been eight years since Larry Bird stepped down from his role as team president and Kevin Pritchard was promoted.
One thing this franchise significantly values is stability and continuity. They have that with ownership, the front office, scouting department, and the coaching staff. It’s one of the many reasons this organization surpassed all expectations — and didn’t just make it back to the conference finals, but came within 24 minutes of winning its first NBA title.
No matter how much that reality stings, the front office has to move forward.
Ready or not, it’s on to the next thing.
That next thing is the NBA Draft, beginning tonight at 8 ET on ESPN & ABC.
Fortuitous Foresight
As much fun as it is for at team to make a deep playoff run, it’s also strenuous — and pushes every department to the max.