Pacers president Kevin Pritchard pens note to fans before 2022-23 season
Pacers president Kevin Pritchard pens note to fans before 2022-23 season
This season "marks the first step in our journey to build something truly special for Indiana Pacers fans."
A new Pacers season officially got underway Wednesday night against the Washington Wizards at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Fans were each given a gold t-shirt and there was a message for them to read inside the gametime program.
On page 4 of the booklet, the first non-advertisement was a photo of Kevin Pritchard next to a welcome message for fans. He is now in his sixth season as president of basketball operations, taking over when Larry Bird stepped down in 2017.
His message is below.
We want to welcome you to the 2022-23 season, which marks the first step in our journey to build something truly special for Indiana Pacers fans.
Our goal is ambitious, but we are excited about our direction. Through a series of trades, free agency, and the NBA Draft, we have fundamentally re-constructed our roster - in the process becoming younger, faster, and more athletic - while maintaining the flexibility to take advantage of opportunities where we can continue to add to our team.
There will undoubtedly be some growing pains along the way. However, our players have an unwavering desire to learn and an undeniable joy for the game and each other that will be evident when you watch them compete. They will continue to interact with our fans, embrace our community, and in the true spirit of “Hoosier Hospitality," they will give back in ways both big and small. Along with Coach Carlisle and his staff, we're excited and optimistic about both the present and the future of this organization.
More than anything, we are looking forward to the atmosphere at Gainbridge Fieldhouse this season, which remains one of the best venues and environments in professional sports. We're confident this team will match your energy and excitement on a nightly basis, bringing you to your feet with an up-tempo, fast-paced style of play that we haven't seen in quite some time.
On behalf of the Simon family, our organization, our players, and our coaching staff, we thank you for your continued support of the Pacers and look forward embarking on this journey with you.
Sincerely,
Kevin Pritchard
President of Basketball Operations
The front office consists of Pritchard, GM Chad Buchanan, Assistant GM Kelly Krauskopf and VP of Basketball and Cap Management Ted Wu. All four, along with owner Herb Simon, attended the season opener on Wednesday.
Off the top of my head, this is the first time I remember a welcome message being left for fans ahead of the season. It is their goal to update fans, keep them engaged and in tune with their focused direction since pivoting at the beginning of 2022.
And in the note, Pritchard reiterated character traits they have targeted:Â athletic competitors who have a passion for the game and are connected to the community.
The Pacers will play two more games at home to begin the season — on Friday and Saturday — and before they head out on a five-game road trip.
