Derran Cobb is a fourth-year journalism major and writes for the Daily News. His views do not necessarily reflect those of the newspaper.
For the first time in 10 years, the Indiana Pacers won a playoff series, defeating the Milwaukee Bucks in six games. Then, the Blue and Gold defeated the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals, renewing an old rivalry while on their way to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in a decade.
Many said that Indiana had no business going that far in the playoffs, calling it a fluke. NBA fans say that if it weren’t for injuries, the Pacers would have been a first round exit – or would’ve lost to the Knicks in the semis.
After spending the offseason ensuring the return of every key player from last season and refining their depth, the Pacers are gearing up for what should be a successful 2024-25 campaign.
Here are four points of emphasis for Indiana to replicate the success of last season.
Bennedict Mathurin to take that leap
Last season, Mathurin provided Indiana with much-needed bench production, averaging 14.7 points per game, shooting 45 percent from the field and 37 percent from deep. He was forced to share backup guard minutes on a guard-heavy roster, but since the departure of Buddy Hield and Bruce Brown, his stats went up.
The 2024 Rising Stars MVP was averaging about 19 points per game on 41 percent 3-point shooting in the six games leading up to his season-ending surgery in March earlier this year. His injury sidelined him during the postseason, and although the Pacers would make it to the conference finals, they definitely missed his production.
After an entire offseason of rehab and work outs, Mathurin is back to 100 percent. In the preseason win over Cleveland, he scored a game-high 25 points in just 19 minutes, shooting 63 percent from the perimeter.
He is also projected to average 20+ points per game off the bench this season. If Indiana has similar success as last season, expect Mathurin to be in the running for sixth man of the year.
A full season of Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton
On January 17, the Pacers acquired Pascal Siakam from the Toronto Raptors in a three-team trade, and they immediately got better. Their record after Siakam joined the team was 30-21, compared to 17-14 before.
With Pascal Siakam, Indiana became a better defensive team, adding more length to the forward positions. Additionally, he lived up to his billing as an important offensive presence, averaging a team-high 21.3 points per game on 55 percent shooting from the field.
Tyrese Haliburton had the best season of his career last season, averaging 20.1 points per game to go with a league-leading 10.9 assists per game on his way to an all-star starting spot. His status as Indiana’s franchise player was further solidified as he led the Blue and Gold to the Eastern Conference finals in his first ever playoff run.
Siakam seemingly enjoys Indianapolis life and culture, launching a series of videos documenting himself exploring the city and meeting Hoosiers. He re-signed with the Pacers in August, committing to the city and team for the next four years.
A full season of the one-two punch of Siakam and Haliburton will be a scary sight for opposing defenses.
Depth and Chemistry
Last season, Indiana had the best bench in the NBA, averaging a league-high 46.8 points per game. Additionally, it led the league in assists per game, dishing out 30.8 per contest.
The Pacers roster seemingly gelled together last season, shown by the unselfishness and heart they played with in the postseason. It was present this summer as well, with each player showing support to each other in summer league games and attending events like Indianapolis Colts games together.
With a projected second unit of T.J. McConnell – the best backup point guard in the NBA – Mathurin, Jarace Walker, Obi Toppin, and Ben Sheppard, plus James Weisman and Isaiah Jackson, expect another large outpour of bench production.
Continuing historic offensive production
Indiana will have to continue its historic offense from last season that saw the team lead the NBA in points per game (123.3), assists per game, field goal percentage (50.7 percent), points in the paint (57.9), mid-range field goal percentage (50.5 percent) and were second in offensive rating (120.5).
Last season teams struggled to keep up and contain the high-octane offense, but after an entire year of film and studies, other teams could come up with a plan. However, led by head coach Rick Carlisle and Haliburton, the Pacers will be able to stay creative and continue the high production.
I predict another successful Indiana Pacers season, with their first 50 win season since 2013-14. I think they’ll finish with a 51-30 record and end up fourth in the eastern conference.
Expect another deep playoff run, with another trip to Eastern Conference finals possible.
Contact Derran Cobb via email at derrancobb@gmail.com or on X @Derran_cobb.
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