Are the Indiana Pacers changing the NBA? Their run to the 2025 NBA Finals featured several things rarely seen deep in the playoffs: a fast-paced offense, frequent full-court defense and extensive bench usage.
Coach Rick Carlisle said Wednesday that fans have told him they really enjoyed watching the Pacers play, and that he recently got an unexpected compliment from a rival coach during coaches association meeting last weekend in South Carolina.
“(The coach) said, ‘You guys are changing the game,'” Carlisle recounted on 1075 The Fan. “I’ve gotten that comment or sentiment on several occasions.”
The Pacers were seeded fourth in the Eastern Conference on the way to taking the Oklahoma City Thunder to Game 7 of the Finals.
Carlisle also reiterated his comments regarding Bennedict Mathurin‘s desire to have a higher profile.
“It’s important to Benn to be a starter. Why wait?” Carlisle said, adding that Mathurin will be expected to play faster and make quick decisions of offense while taking on tougher defensive matchups.
About Mathurin’s occasional penchant for playing one-on-one and driving into the heart of the defense? “That’s got to go away.”
Centers Isaiah Jackson and James Wiseman, both of whom suffered Achilles injuries early last season, are expected to be ready for training camp. Carlisle said Jackson has done some 5-on-5 scrimmaging.
Tony Bradley and recently acquired Jay Huff are also coming to training camp, and the coach expects a spirited battle for three post roster spots.
Carlisle added he holds no grudges toward Myles Turner, who joined the Milwaukee Bucks in free agency: “He’s a lovable guy.”
Carlisle also said he’s eager to see how Jarace Walker recovers from a right ankle injury suffered in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
“I want to see (Walker) get the rebound and put on the burners and go coast-to-coast,” he said.
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