The Indiana Pacers entered this shortened 2011-12 season expected to make noise in the Eastern Conference -- very much unlike the Pacers teams of the last four years. Apparently aware of such expectations, Indiana opened its slate with a bang. The Pacers' three top big men, center Roy Hibbert, forward Tyler Hansbrough and the newly signed forward David West, each recorded … [Read more...] about Indiana Pacers Dominate Detroit Pistons in Season Opener
Jim O'Brien
Welcome Back, Indiana Pacers
Welcome back, NBA. And welcome back, Indiana Pacers. The early-morning agreement Nov. 26 between the league and the players' union ensures the highest level of professional basketball will be played -- albeit under a shortened schedule. The great news for the Pacers -- one of the NBA's small-market franchises -- is that this tentative collective bargaining agreement, … [Read more...] about Welcome Back, Indiana Pacers
Indiana Pacers Finally Hire Frank Vogel; Now What?
The Indiana Pacers finally made the long-expected hire of Frank Vogel as head coach official Wednesday. Vogel and Pacers President Larry Bird addressed the media, each saying he felt good about the direction of the franchise going forward. While I tend to agree -- especially knowing that revered NBA assistant coach Brian Shaw will come aboard as Vogel's associate head … [Read more...] about Indiana Pacers Finally Hire Frank Vogel; Now What?
Tyler Hansbrough Becoming Go-To Guy for Indiana Pacers?
Some guys really do play with chips on their shoulders. That seems to be the case with Indiana Pacers forward Tyler Hansbrough, who arguably has been the team's most reliable player in terms of production during a recent 1-8 skid that left Indiana hanging on for dear life in eighth place in the Eastern Conference. Hansbrough's current season averages of 10.5 points per game … [Read more...] about Tyler Hansbrough Becoming Go-To Guy for Indiana Pacers?
Are Indiana Pacers in Relapse?
Well, so much for the newfound optimism under Frank Vogel. After starting 9-3 under the interim coach, the Indiana Pacers have lost seven of their last eight games, including five straight in which the team never realistically threatened for the win. Three of those defeats came by 17 or more points. The most recent loss, a 101-75 thrashing Wednesday at the hands of the … [Read more...] about Are Indiana Pacers in Relapse?
What Failed O.J. Mayo Trade Means for Indiana Pacers
Who's to blame? Who is responsible for the no-go on a trade that would have sent Memphis Grizzlies guard O.J. Mayo to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for forward Josh McRoberts and Indiana's first-round pick? Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley blamed the Pacers, reportedly saying they took too much time trying to organize a concurrent deal that would have sent guard Brandon … [Read more...] about What Failed O.J. Mayo Trade Means for Indiana Pacers
Indiana Pacers Fire Jim O’Brien; More Change on the Way?
The Indiana Pacers fired coach Jim O'Brien on Sunday midway through the fourth year of O'Brien's contract and named assistant Frank Vogel interim coach for the rest of 2010-11. O'Brien went 121-169 as Pacers coach and began this season 17-27 before being relieved of his duties. The first thing to take away from Sunday's news is that the Pacers are doing the right thing in … [Read more...] about Indiana Pacers Fire Jim O’Brien; More Change on the Way?
Indiana Pacers Officially Name Frank Vogel Interim Coach
A few hours after the news broke about Head Coach Jim O'Brien's firing, the Indiana Pacers organization called for a press conference with team president Larry Bird. At this presser, the team announced that assistant coach Frank Vogel would be stepping in as the interim coach for the remainder of the 2010-11 season. "I'm sure you've heard the news that we let Jimmy go … [Read more...] about Indiana Pacers Officially Name Frank Vogel Interim Coach
Jim O’Brien Out As Indiana Pacers Coach
After three-plus seasons, the Indiana Pacers have decided to part ways with Jim O'Brien according to Pacers beat-writer and Indiana Star writer Mike Wells. The Pacers have struggled to close games in the fourth quarter all season en route to a 17-27 record. O'Brien was a combined 121-169 in his tenure as Head Coach of the Pacers. The decision comes after a 110-89 loss to … [Read more...] about Jim O’Brien Out As Indiana Pacers Coach
Blake Griffin Goes Off on the Pacers
A season-high, franchise-high, 2010-11 NBA league-high and just about any other high you want to mention is what Blake Griffin accomplished with his 47 points on Monday afternoon. The so-called rookie (technically his second year because he didn't play in 2009-10) also snatched 14 rebounds for his 27th consecutive double-double to rally his Los Angeles Clippers over the … [Read more...] about Blake Griffin Goes Off on the Pacers