Indiana Pacers: A Beacon of Hope in the NBA
The Indiana Pacers have become a beacon of hope for the NBA, particularly in a landscape where many teams engage in the controversial practice of ‘tanking’ to secure a better draft position. Unlike numerous franchises that find themselves languishing in mediocrity—caught between being unable to secure high draft picks and lacking the competitiveness to vie for championships—the Pacers have taken a different approach, one that is starting to bear fruit in remarkable ways.
Road to the NBA Finals
Emerging from a lengthy period of mixed results, the Pacers are gearing up to return to the NBA Finals for the first time in 25 years. While the franchise has had its share of struggles—including a 25-win season during Rick Carlisle’s first return that was heavily impacted by injuries—their history reflects an unwavering commitment to compete rather than succumbing to the temptation of intentionally losing games. They’ve endured a string of seasons defined by near middling results, but they have steadfastly avoided the pitfall of tanking.
Commitment to Competitive Integrity
Under the leadership of various coaches and management over the years, including iconic figures like Larry Bird and now Carlisle, the Pacers have never set out to deliberately decrease their win totals. They began the current season with intentions of reaching the playoffs but shifted strategies at the trade deadline, eventually trading Caris LeVert to the Cleveland Cavaliers and acquiring Tyrese Haliburton from Sacramento in a move that set the stage for a brighter future.
Despite contemplating a significant move in 2022 to acquire Russell Westbrook‘s contract—an undertaking that would have effectively signaled a retreat from competitiveness—the team ultimately decided against it after negotiations faltered. The decision allowed them to retain vital player Myles Turner, who has now become an integral part of their success.
Building a Successful Roster
The Pacers’ commitment to maintaining competitive integrity has translated into a successful current roster, built through a mix of savvy drafting, strategic trades, and prudent free-agent signings. Recent draftees like Bennedict Mathurin and Jarace Walker stand out, while the franchise has also been wise in its gamble on players like Haliburton and Pascal Siakam. Notably, Siakam’s emergence as an MVP-caliber player in the conference finals exemplifies the Pacers’ knack for talent development.
Overcoming Obstacles
Historically, Indiana has avoided the luxury tax since 2006 and hasn’t had a top-five draft pick since 1988. Yet, they have overcome all odds, making it to the NBA Cup last season and now standing merely four victories away from securing a championship. This journey has been particularly impressive, as few teams have had to conquer multiple 60-win teams to advance to the title.
Should they defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder—who had an impressive record of 68 wins—they will make history as the first team to eliminate two 64-win squads en route to the Finals.
Shifting Paradigms in the NBA
The success of the Pacers showcases a paradigm shift in the NBA. With a recent trend of top draft picks going to teams with odds as low as 3%, the league appears to be moving closer to its objective of minimizing tanking while rewarding competitive teams. Current lottery results show that, since 2019 when the odds were equalized, teams with the best chances have won the first pick four out of seven times, debunking the myth that only by losing can teams find success.
Even if tanking will always be part of the conversation, the Pacers serve as evidence that building a winning franchise through resilience and determination is still a viable path forward. As they stand on the brink of championship glory, their journey underscores the NBA’s evolving landscape—one that embraces competition over capitulation, and perseverance over entitlement.
