Almost There: The Pacers Are ONE Piece Away!

The search for the NBA's next great team often leads us to the league's glitziest markets and biggest names. But a chronically overlooked, ring-less franchise in the midwest is quietly building something special. The Pacers aren't quite there yet, but Indiana is a star forward away from legitimate contention.
Written & Narrated by: Joseph Casciaro (@JosephCasciaro | Twitter)
Produced & Edited by: Andrew Bartlett (@andrewnsb | Instagram)
Thumbnail Design by: Justin Shipley (@shipleysportstudio | Instagram)
Courtesy List: pastebin.com/CqVKnihA
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#indianapacers #tyresehaliburton #nba

[@febriz6057]

I appreciate that The Score will put out content on any team if it’s interesting.

[@jimboslice303]

Yea, I just wish they would make longer videos

[@BlastBeatSz]

Yeah it's great

[@lordmegatron4789]

it's been hard being a pacers fan so thanks for covering us as much as you have

[@sadtwolvesfan]

Shout-out all the small market teams taking over rn ! So tired of hearing about the C's and Lakers

[@sadtwolvesfan]

@ACquotients Jaden McDaniels > Jaylen Brown

[@Dutchofclass]

Don't forget the heat, knicks and nets

[@moisesrodriguez3685]

They're big market no shit you're gonna hear about LA and Boston. Deal with it. Who the hell wants to talk about Utah or Indiana or Charlotte. No offense but big markets teams will continue to be talked about for many years.

[@sadtwolvesfan]

@ACquotients Twolves KG > Celtics KG

[@kennydeschenes3390]

@@sadtwolvesfan as a big nuggets fan, as much as i loved brown, he have a big ego and try to do too much often. hes a good player who think he is a great one and he commit too much turnovers because of that.

[@Motorrr]

Imagine the Pacers and the Magic dominating the east in four years from now....

[@nattobaby]

everybody sleepin on detroit. wouldn't be surprised if they break out next season

[@hyabberhane]

@@nattobabyCharlotte getting slept on too

[@peji6947]

magic is like the okc of the east, young talent that had the potential

[@Uhuru_Askari]

Detroit and Charlotte finna be in the lottery again fellas, chill they not being slept on they just not that good and don't have a great culture. I would argue that Pistons kinda do have that culture, but they just don't have the talent that the fans think they have, but that's just my opinion.

[@canniestdoor]

like 1995

[@jordanalexander5275]

Im happy with the way indy is building this team, youth and really good people. I think we will be competitive in the coming years

[@rollingwins]

Tyrese Haliburton is such a exciting young player to watch

[@erickim3265]

Tyler?

[@reidb6327]

It’s tyrese halibortun

[@erickim3265]

@@reidb6327 he corrected it hahahaha LOL

[@7mistahj]

Love some Pacers content!

[@carter94feet]

Great video on the Pacers, I would agree the next focus should be a all-star caliber SF/or one with that potential, as for being aggressive I wouldn’t go after another PF like Randle or John Collins that was mentioned, I believe we could see the best year from Obi Toppin that they picked up in a trade this year. If he doesn’t reach another level Indy might be all in on Jarace Walker at the PF if he leaves a good first impression in his rookie year. Best way to put it, this year should be about evaluating who could potentially be added to the main young core Tyrese,Benn,Turner. But with the SF position, that for sure seems like the next step the Pacers.

[@nbapbaupdate8338]

Trade proposal Pacers receive: OG Aunoby + Precious Achiuwa Toronto receive: Buddy Hield + Daniel Theis + Arron Nesmith + 2 1st round pick

[@CrowKage8]

I’ve been saying this. If they can make a package around hield to get a really good wing, the Pacers are up next.

[@CerebralBuckets]

Excellent breakdown

[@kshmart]

100% agree.If the pelicans have another disappointing year I could see BI wanting out. Pacers would be a great landing spot for him. If not a PG reunion would be legendary. And I’d wait for free agency next year to go after OG.

[@SweetReed17]

Also seeing some behind the scenes vids for the FIBA USA mens team, it looks like BI and Haliburton are vibin. Maybe he asks to go play with him in Indy specifically.

[@kelstatz2800]

This video was good as hell

[@drabalisallat2188]

I want Anunoby, he is already a 20+ ppg player (if he gets his shots) with elite defense, him and Turner can be the spine of a top 5 defense in the league. Also Walker is built like a tank, Jalen Smith is solid. Some nights everything is falling for the opposition, but a layup is still more efficent than the 3 pointer and if anyone can limit that and force the other to rely on 3s, that's a good position.

[@REMINISC3NT116]

I'd rather have someone like Ingram or Jerami Grant. I hate Anouby so I'm biased

[@warlockmagic3416]

Early I'd to see the starting 5 as Hali/Mathurin/Nesmith/Obi/Turner Nemb/6thMHeild/B.Brown/Walker/Smith Resting mins. McConnell/K.Brown/Jackson/Sheppard/Nwora/Theis/Wong Then you might swap Bruce in and out the starting lineup. Or some night's given matchups and just for the sake of competing. Mixing thing's up and getting all guy's accustomed to playing with eachother. Hali/Hield/B.Brown/Obi/Turner I just really like how Nesmith has stepped up defensively. How he talked about getting the opportunity and is looking forward to becoming even a better/stronger 3 and D guy who can get stops and attack the rim. He was by far our best SF defender and took on the hardest assignments and we're going to reward him with 10 mins a game and sit him on the bench?? For who, Bruce Brown?? Hell nah... I like Bruce, but not for anyone else in those mins.. Mathurin a SG imo.. Kendall may get a few mins at SF. That's it rest is my guy Nesmith.

[@renzoenzo7535]

C - Turner F - Obi F - Bruce G - Mathurin G - Tyrese Nembhard, Jarace, Hield

[@warlockmagic3416]

@TheScore what do you think about the selection of Jarace Walker over Taylor Hendricks? Also do you think Nesmith deserves to start, or get at least most of the reserve SF minutes?

[@angelozoe4778]

Anthony Edwards and Tyrese are very close friends and love sharing the court together btw they are unstoppable when on the floor at the same time and keep an eye on Anthony Edwards to the Pacers or maybe a Paul George reunion

[@rnuke_rocket]

Not an Indy fan and no disrespect to both Siakam and OG, but if I were the Pacers I'd stick with my promising young core in Mathurin, Toppin, Nesmith, and Jarace Walker, among others. Since Siakam is about to turn 30 and OG is already experiencing numerous injuries despite only being 25y/o.

[@giovanni-ed7zq]

its actually about competing while mathurin is still under a rookie contract. once your young guys up up for their rookie max, it becomes difficult to bring in veteran stars to compete. its how the warriors were able to win 2 chips without curry making what he is now. its like getting 3 years of free experience while your rookies are still on rookie contracts but are able to contribute. i believe its how heat also won a chip with wade still on a rookie contract. you wait till your rookies all up for a max then you end up having to move some of them because you cant afford them all, and also harder to bring in a star that makes alot.

[@rnuke_rocket]

@@giovanni-ed7zq I still think the Pacers can be competitive with its current lineup and make a playoff appearance next season. Remember, they were sitting at the 6-8 spots and were playing great team basketball before Haliburton suffered an injury and had to miss a significant time, making them miss the playoffs entirely. For now, Indiana is on the same tier as the Jazz and OKC-all three teams can contend for multiple playoff appearances in the beginning years by not rushing their core and eventually become contenders for a title run.

[@pathfinderjan]

@@rnuke_rocket They are even at the 4-6 spot before Hali's injury.

[@warlockmagic3416]

I'm lowkey upset that some Pacers Pods have Nesmith getting much less minutes. I feel he's only growing and is deserving of the Starting SF spot. Bruce can start if he has to. Yet he doesn't mind coming off the bench. I'd honestly like to possibly still even see a mix of starters at the SG/SF for awhile.

[@nbapbaupdate8338]

Kristaps Porzingis your next video theScore 💪💪💪

[@rgwebb5165]

Pacers hope Mathurin develops into a star. That seems like a long shot at this point. Props to the small market teams.

[@Whydoweneedhandles427]

How is it that a long shot? He averaged 16 a game and didn’t even start.

[@yanbelanger685]

bruh, dude averaged 16 as a rookie off the bench

[@deception930]

16 ppg off the bench...

[@Insat-rp6zg]

I see everybody want og but idk about trade I’ll need somebody with equal value and that’s hard to see with glasses

[@pathfinderjan]

Haliiiiiiiii!!!!

[@stardemonspacecat]

Indy low-key building a MONSTER >:)>:)>:)

[@benserkowski4663]

They need to keep both tyrese and Benedict Mathurin

[@luke9648]

They have all their own 1sts, an extra 1st next year, and a few extra 2s. I'd love a PG reunion if it were for the right price. Probably not gonna happen. Ingram isn't happening. John Collins was a salary dump basically, if the Pacers wanted him they could've already got him. Wiggins is interesting. OG would be perfect, but he's expiring.

[@Lurch-gl6cn]

If Paul George opts out and wants to come back to Indiana after next season... hield, brown, mcconnell, theis can all be free agents at end of season with current roster. Almost 60 mil combined

[@luke9648]

@@Lurch-gl6cn I'm all for it. Pacers depth is so ridiculous right now. Future is gonna be interesting.

[@legrev1234]

please do Orlando magic video .😊

[@ebertmaelcorrea8090]

Made it to ecf

[@Paloriel]

You need a top 10 guy to win a championship, yes they are 1 good forward away from contention, but they are 1 star away from being favourites. You can't win a chip with 5 great role players.

[@drunkdiente7033]

Tyrese is a star bruh

[@beanie3427]

Tyrese is totally on track to being a top 10 player in a few years. Averaging 20 and 10 assists on 62% true shooting at age 22 is freaking phenomenal. Look at what guys like Dame and Steph were doing at that age, and Haliburton is either matching or exceeding both of them (that doesn't mean I think he'll be as good as those guys, just that he's on track to be top 10). Also, its too early to say what Mathurin's upside is, but I wouldn't be shocked if he was a top 20-30 player 4-5 years down the line. He certainly had stretches where he displayed that type of high volume scoring ability.

[@Yellow_belly777]

'04 pistons

[@deception930]

tyrese on track to becoming one i'll tell u that

[@tearituppc764]

I think Jalen Smith will be an outstanding forward for the Pacers this year

[@jamesz9635]

I can't see how he gets playing time

[@mcrayhim9773]

w

[@PhilBullmaster]

If Myles Turner is your 2nd best player, you are nowhere near close…let alone just a piece away.

[@8mathdaddy]

1 piece away from a first round knockout in the playoffs.

[@supervilliansvworld2010]

Would love to run it back with PG.

[@warlockmagic3416]

Maybe Timberwolves want to recover some lost picks. We will take Jaden McDaniels off your hands and Kyle Anderson. They can have McConnell and Jackson.

[@KevinDurantEasy]

So the pacers paid everyone except Turner

[@gjdewald]

Why would Raptors trade Siakam or OG to Pacers for multiple mediocre players when they can trade one of those players to Blazers for Lillard? Every team is 1 piece they can't get away from being better.

[@LPjunemark]

One piece away for making the playoffs😂.

[@marvideladiv3983]

What you mean one piece away? Why one piece away ??? The pacers have all the pieces to compete for an NBA championship.

[@warlockmagic3416]

BTW I'm not at all trying to trade for OG. He's overrated imo.. I'd love to sign him in the draft. But the only thing I'd love more than a PG reunion to win a chip. He's missing link. Would be Giannis deciding to join the Pacers. Or Luka, or Jimmy.. Anyone that can help us that's a top tier level SF. Lol

[@LoneSamurai_X]

Pacers one piece away??? 🤣🤣🤣

[@faieziabubakar207]

Halliburton Mathurin Bruce brown Obi Turner I think obi is gonna be their key to win..if he play poorly they won't go far

[@TyreseHaliburtonIsHim]

Obi=MIP

[@faieziabubakar207]

@@TyreseHaliburtonIsHim he had potential

[@petecarter6520]

If pacer success rides on some young player getting way better after the Knicks just got rid of him, could be a rough year.

[@faieziabubakar207]

@@petecarter6520 sometimes different team can brings out the potential differently.. we've seen may happened in recent time

[@petecarter6520]

@@faieziabubakar207 Agreed, and i like Toppin, but he's fighting to be bench rotation player.

[@ByronBolerDrums]

BRING PAUL GEORGE BACK

[@nomercyinc6783]

the pacers have never been that close to winning anything. the pacers havent gotten close since reggie miller

[@jamesz9635]

not true, they were Lebron's biggest obstacle in winning the East for a few years

[@jamesz9635]

and I'm a pistons fan, but without malice in the palace, Indiana could have won a chip or two

[@tristantrey]

not gonna happen

[@warlockmagic3416]

OG is a boring one dimensional player who has a stiff, slow shot release. That basically runs to stand in the corner. Not the SF I want. Doesn't fit our fast transition style.

[@austinneveau9387]

great video idea. terrible trades but i respect exploring them. the raptors have a plan whether we are aware of it or not. they should be looking to sign pascal and og to 4 year contracts maybe even 5 years and open a contending window. these guys are in their prime or entering it. why give those years to another eastern team? you grow these guys into the players they are to give them up? the raps arent a farm system for other east teams lmfao. trust in the system and what they have going forward. making eastern foes better will only hurt the raptors who are trying to be contenders themselves. id rather commit to this team and its window than restart from scratch and wait for them to win in 2030.

[@austinneveau9387]

I assume a rebuild will result in winning around 2030 but even that isn't guaranteed. you'd be tearing apart a good thing now in HOPE that the next product is better than what we have.

[@derek-182]

how are you expecting toronto to be better than last year after losing their starting pg? even if they are slightly better they aren't anywhere near contenders and won't be for the rest of siakam's career (he's already almost out of his prime)

[@thebxx724]

It’s time for the Raptors to rebuild, they’re not competing in the East after losing FVV. Siakim & OG can both walk in free agency next year. Toronto is better off trading them now instead of losing em for nothing.

[@derek-182]

@@thebxx724 exactly

[@GrandTerr]

Luffy will find it first, sorry Pacers.

[@jordanflores5687]

From what? A second round exit LMMFAO

[@giovanni-ed7zq]

its about getting experience and trying to win while your rookies still on rookie deals by bringing in a star. its how heat won with wade on a rookie deal, and warriors won 2 chips with curry not making what he is now. no one wins on their first try, it takes a few swings to get experience to win, so it would be why if pacers do it, you are getting more mileage from rookies that are contributing at a high level still on rookie deals if you bring in a star now.

[@giovanni-ed7zq]

nuggets didnt win on their first try, they had some failures in the playoffs before they won it finallly. best to have those failures while you still on rookies on rookie deals to get experience going deeper.

[@TyreseHaliburtonIsHim]

@@giovanni-ed7zqthis guy doesn’t understand that teams improve lol

[@jordanflores5687]

@@TyreseHaliburtonIsHim sure they improve from no playoffs to 1st round exit

[@wafflesofjustice]

mathurin overrated

[@HunchoAlejandro]

WTF IS THAT THUMBNAIL

[@hyabberhane]

Current PG in a Pacers Jersey looks hideous

[@TyreseHaliburtonIsHim]

@@hyabberhanebro I found u, again

[@hyabberhane]

@@TyreseHaliburtonIsHim W