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Hello and welcome to the Athletic NBA Daily for July 31, 2025. Esper Henny and Izina Keda are here with Scott Agnes of Field House Files to talk everything Indiana. But before we get into that, we have a job to do which is asking you to do a job which is help us learn more about what we can do for you. So listeners, we want to hear from you. Check out the link in the description to give us your feedback on the show, what content you enjoyed the most, and what you would like for us to do differently next season. So thank you for your continued support and thanks in advance for the job. All right. S Before we dive into everything that's happened, I'm sure all of our listeners are like, remind me of the whiplash that we felt. Remind me of all the heartbreak that we might have felt as Indiana Pacers fans or folks that watched it around. Like, tell me, catch us up on everything that's happened with the Indiana Pacers.
Scott Agnes
Yeah, well, first of all, to Pacers fans listening, I apologize for reminding you of what's happened over the last couple of months. Obviously a miraculous and incredible all time level Finals run that was kind of off the back of multiple comebacks. Incredible moments from Tyrese Halliburton and Pascal Siakam. The group was just entertaining to watch, but what a gut wrenching way for it to end. And that was Tyrese Halliburton's injury in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, an Achilles tear which basically all but cemented him to miss next season. And in the off season they had some interesting questions as well. After losing in the NBA Finals, Miles Turner, in a shocking turn of events which we've covered on this podcast, dips, he heads to the Milwaukee Bucks as an unrestricted free agent. The Dame wave and stretch was one of the most wild things that happened this offseason. They resigned Isaiah Jackson, they traded for Jay Huff, they've Johnny Furfee dunked on modest Bouz Ellis in the summer league, which was incredible. There's a lot of things going on in Pacer land. It's been a busy offseason, but a roller coaster nonetheless.
Podcast Host
Yeah, I'm the fact that the Pacers came within a single win of their first NBA championship and just as the confetti was falling, heartbreak arises. I mean, I don't know, Scott, this is why we have to bring you in because the upcoming season is really going to be a true test for the Pacers. They went from being championship aggressors and now they're kind of like financially cautious. And you know, some of the signings that they've made. And I just want to ask you first and foremost, what has the emotional whiplash been like for from this Finals run? The Halliburton injury, Miles Turner leaving, like what has that been like for the Pacers fans?
Expert Analyst
Yeah, that's such a good way to put it. I've also been saying a roller coaster of emotions, right. Because there's been highs of highs. Probably the best Pacers basketball we've seen in a quarter of a century to being on the cusp of it, leading at halftime of the ultimate game of game seven. And then the, it's the double whammy, right? It's not only is Tyrese out for the rest of the game, but it directly impacts the entirety of this upcoming season as well. That's what makes it hurt even more badly, I think, for fans here locally. And so I think a lot of the reaction, quite frankly, has been here we go again. Because the feeling over the last decade, plus not just with the Pacers, but with other sports teams as well, has been an injury to the main player. You could go with Danny Granger, you had Paul George's incident, Victor Oladipo's ruptured quad tendon, an injury you just don't see very often. Damon Sabonis didn't play in the bubble, and Jeremy Lamb's weird injury up in Toronto where it required surgery. And then obviously you have this significant injury to Tyrese. But to make it even weirder is the fact that last season there were zero Achilles tendon tears. This season, I believe it was seven. And three of them were on the pace in game one, two weeks into the season and in the final game of the season. So you could really define this Pacer season by not just the highest of highs that they have experienced in quite some time, but also how the ruptured quad 10 and the same injury that were then repaired by the same doctor for all three injuries directly impacted so much. And then we can top that off obviously here with, on the women's side with now Caitlin Clark out, we were, we were out the precipice here in May and June of enjoying Tyrese and Caitlin leading their teams, and now neither one is playing for the foreseeable future due to injuries.
Scott Agnes
God, I, I just that I, I just wanted to mention like the what ifs for Pacers world. Yeah, with the injuries, but also thinking back to other moments that they were contenders, obviously the Reggie Miller years. You think of the Malice in the palace and how that changed the 2004. Like there are so many moments where you were just on the precipice of being truly great. And, and honestly, I, I, I, I just want to say this to make it clear, like, regardless of the Pacers winning last Year they are going to be one of the most remembered playoff teams ever. Just because of how not improbable but incredible that run was. How do you think Pacers fans are like contextualizing that aspect? The fact that you know you don't win but you still end up with this all time level team and all time level run?
Expert Analyst
Yeah, I think what was so special about it guys was the fact that so many of those guys had been counted out, had been traded away, had not been wanted by their previous team. Tyrese wanted to be a full time guy in Sacramento. Obi Toppin is from New York, was drafted by his hometown team and was sent away for a couple of second round picks. So they come here, they all got contract extensions, they all were playing their best basketball of their career. And then two or her point earlier. The negative side of this is then you had a guy want out of the most likable team of a group that had had defeated all those expectations, who had created something special here both culturally of buy in all the buzzwords that you hear front office people talk about. And then Miles Turner did not like the offer the Pacers provided him. No one can blame him for chasing the money. But that said, I think it was very odd the fact that here as of we are recording this at the end of July, I have not still seen a post on Instagram, on Twitter saying anything. Hey, shout out to Miles. You're a real one. We love you. Thank you Miles. Go get your bag. True. The only thing we have seen to my knowledge is the next day I think Benedict Matherin posted a photo of him dunking on Miles. That was at the players only mini camp at Pascal Siakam's home down in Orlando. That is it. And that is very odd for a guy who's been the longest tenured Pacer who has had a fan section at Pacers games bought on his own money since his second season. It just this was a marriage that was very happy until the very end. And now it's really difficult to make sense of it as everybody parted ways and there was just an abrupt inning even going to the fact guys that as at his introductory press conference, that was more than a half an hour in Las Vegas with the Bucks. He didn't mention Pacers the name once. I was waiting for the obvious slip up after you've been in the same home forever. Right? Yeah, I look forward to this Pacers. I mean sorry the Bucs team like there was none of that. So that part over the last few weeks has Been very odd in Pacers world. But yeah, as to your point, man, this was a group that it was easy to get behind in a team that was only slated for national TV games nine times this past season. I think that increased visibility in the postseason then opened up way more eyes across the nation that if you didn't have a rooting interest, how could you not get behind this Indiana team?
Podcast Host
Well, now I wonder if it opened up eyeballs into was this a happy marriage? Because with everything that you're saying, that seems as if there was enough evidence there that he would have had a level, Miles Turner would have had a certain level of.
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Podcast Host
Dependence and not only depends, but loyalty, excuse me, on the Pacers. And it would have been reversed in the sense that the Pacers would have had a certain sense of loyalty to him. And now it makes you feel like, okay, maybe it wasn't as happy, maybe it wasn't as a level of camaraderie, of let's get it together because we were all kind of shunned or we were all kind of underestimated as a team, and we're trying to come together and prove that we deserve to be here. I'm actually wondering, based on that, based on everything that you're mentioning, him not saying the Pacers wants, I mean, bravo media training, but wondering is there an aspect of, is it just the money? Like, would this have happened had Halliburton not gotten hurt?
Expert Analyst
That that's the great what if? And I say no chance. There's no way he's leaving. And there's no way in my mind that the Pacers wouldn't have offered up whatever it took to keep this, to run it back. Right. And this goes back to maybe the first questions at the very beginning of how that injury changed everything, given the. Given the landscape of the current east, if the Pacers were healthy or even if Tyrese had suffered a further calf strain but nothing significant, had all summer to reh. How are the Pacers not the favorites in the Eastern Conference? So.
Podcast Host
Right.
Expert Analyst
I believe the Pacers were prepared to do whatever it took to run it back, but now I don't know if I want to call it a gap year. But now you're. It's kind of a figure it out year. It'll be helpful, I think, with some younger players in what they're getting accomplished and what they're headed towards in terms of a Benedict Mather and what they're looking at there. But in this current situation, yeah, I think for sure they would have just Run it back going into next season if they were healthy.
Scott Agnes
So speaking of next season, because I think it's, it's really fascinating. The Pacers are one of the most interesting teams heading into next year just because of the fact that, you know, baked in. No Tyrese Haliburton, obviously we just talked about Miles Turner gone. So the talent level isn't what it was of a finals team. But also the Eastern Conference is sort of wide open in the sense that there are a lot of teams maybe taking gap years. Shout out to the Boston Celtics. We'll see what happens with the Philadelphia 76ers and the injuries to Joe Embiid and Paul George. But like, there's an opening there. What is the expectation for this Pacers team? Like, are you expecting them to compete for a playoff spot again? Are they going to be in the middle of the Eastern Conference or are they near the bottom?
Expert Analyst
Yeah, I picture the Pacers probably in that mid tier, probably 6, 7, 8 range right now. The interesting thing is all the vibes coming out of them in terms of the center spot. And this is what complicates all the things we were just talking about as well is there was no obvious transition because of the other Achilles. The other guys were to their other centers, Isaiah Jackson, James Wiseman, both suffering that injury. And I think if they were healthy, we would feel very different as well about Miles moving on and going elsewhere in this Pacer's current state. Because while both seem to be okay and seem that they will be good for training camp coming in September, we also know usually it takes more than a year to feel like yourself again and usually at least a year to get back to doing what you did on the court. And so that won't be until November for both of those guys. So that cloudy is that center position for me about. And based on that, look at your point guard and your center, like those are two instrumental positions to what you're doing here. I have no doubt about what Andrew Nemhardt can do at the point guard, but who rises up and re and replaces his role at that two guard spot. We expect it to be Matheran, but that is TBD here. And Jay Huff they acquired, but he was a guy that didn't have a significant role in Memphis. They feel confident though about that. They can just fill it in by committee rather than just one guy having plenty full of minutes. So they're leaning on the analytics side Saying hey, per 48 minutes, this is what these guys can, can deliver. So with that said, I think I picture the Pacers in that mid tier probably fighting for one of the last true playoff spots, if not the play in as well.
Podcast Host
Okay, well right after this break we're going to talk about who's got to step up in this quote unquote gap year and how they're going to do that to get them into the playoffs.
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All right. So Scott, I like this aspect of the gap year. I actually, I think that, you know, people don't want to say that because it indicates that you're not trying in that time period or that you're not, you've not put yourself in the best position to succeed. But I think it's true. You can't deny the fact that you aren't as equipped, you aren't as tooled as you were this past season. But the good news is for the Pacers is that they do have some solid pieces still at their disposal that will be leading this team in terms of someone who has the ball in their hands a lot of the time. And that particularly I'm looking at Andrew Nemhard. He now is going to be the point guard of this team, which we've seen him play point alongside Tyrese Haliburton. We saw in the playoffs trying to get Tyrese off the ball, moving off the ball, coming into shots more and we were like, hey, this looks good. This is actually a little, a nice little setup here with Andrew Nemar being able to set the table a lot more and we know that he is one of the best two way players in this league. I mean that was probably one of the biggest things that everyone talked about for his game. How can he grow from what he did last year? And now that he is going to be the main table setter and scoring focal point for opposing defenses, what can we look forward to? With the evolution of his game.
Expert Analyst
Yeah. So coming in a couple of years ago. So he was a point guard by nature. Then he comes into the Pacers and was going to play the backup point guard minutes. He was just too good. They needed more minutes for him then they needed to make him a starter. That's why he slid into that two guard spot. They had a hole there and he had been too productive, too efficient that they have found a different role for him. So I don't think it'll be a difficult transition. The only question maybe is how does he do, how does he handle being the primary ball handler for the majority of his minutes out there? Because as you perfectly alluded to, yeah, he did plenty of it and even more so come the playoff time given Tyrese his workload and those several injuries that led up to the Achilles tear. So no issues about that. I think it's more interesting than what becomes of his previous position because there is a gaping hole there in that two guard spot with Andrew I'm not worried about. I guess maybe if anything, the thing you might want to be worried about is how does it affect his defense because with more being asked of him on the offensive end, his usage rate's obviously going to go up. How does that directly impact him being their primary defensive stopper out there? Niece Smith obviously is the secondary one as well. And that's an area where up until the final few months of the season they were not a good team and that because of their upgrades there and the buy in and the togetherness of them buying in to the defensive end is what got them as far as it did in the postseason. So that's probably the only question mark I have for Andrew and for the team. It's what does that secondary guard spot look like moving forward. It starts with Matheran, but then there's a whole host of other players who could earn minutes there, from a Ben Shepard to even Johnny Furfy. Maybe he's he's ready for a little bit of rotational minutes and the same probably goes with Jairus walker at the 3 and 4 spot. A guy that didn't get as much time last season. He was hurt and didn't get time in the NBA Finals. But I think he's due to your point about this being an interesting season and making the most of it. I think of Jairus Walker, Benedict Mather and Johnny Furfee as those three guys have have a lot that they could go paint with a masterpiece and we'll see what they can create and impact in the Number of ways this season.
Scott Agnes
Just want to mention this, but Andrew Nemhard is tied for first in terms of most improved player odds at BetMG. So obviously they're baking in a lot of usage. They're baking in a lot of opportunity. And I think that that's a pretty interesting bet to me because I just think, you know, most of the times when you see a player take that leap, it is because of an extra bit of opportunity, extra bit of usage. And so Nemhard is clearly there. You mentioned a couple other guys, couple like lottery picks for this Pacers team. You know, a lot was made about how this team last year made it to the finals without too many high lottery picks kind of leading them that charge. But. But Jairus Walker, Ben Matheran, obviously huge parts to what this Pacers team could be next season. What's the expectations for those two guys who like, like you said, flashed moments? Ben Mather and obviously, obviously had some really important stretches in the postseason for them. Jairus Walker was important to them defensively for the most part. What's the expectations for both those guys heading into, again, a quote unquote gap here.
Expert Analyst
Sure. Yeah. Right away for me, I pencil in Matheran as your starter. One out of it makes too much sense. And two, hey, look, it's. It's now or never for your lottery pick that's going into the final year of his rookie deal. I would not expect him to get kind of an extension before this season. I think both sides, it's probably better off for them to play it in because if you're Ben, you're saying, hey look, I'm probably not getting a max right now. I think in time, with more of a workload, being a regular starter, I can show my worth. I can show that value. And the Pacers can within restricted free agency. They want to reward a player. If they can earn it, they don't want to give it ahead of time. Right. And so I don't think it's guaranteed by any means that Matheran gets to start right away. But it's way too obvious for me, especially being a former number six pick. The only question I have regarding him is just the fit within this team is sometimes it just doesn't completely feel right. He's very much a bulldog that just wants to put the ball on the floor and go right to the basket. One of the best players, if not the best on this team, quite frankly, of drawing contact and getting to the free throw line. But that's very different from the style of play the Pacers and Tyrese have headed up where it's run and gun fast pace. They a lot of times they talk about half second basketball, get the ball, make a decision one way or the other, keep the defense on their toes. And Ben doesn't necessarily always do that. So. So there is a mismatch, incompatibility at some time, but maybe they can blend that and make it happen. Now, in terms of Jairus Walker, yeah, I think there's a huge opportunity here. Last year they knew they needed minutes for him. They knew there really wasn't a real opportunity for him at the four. So about this time last year, they said, hey, prepare to play the three. We're going to find minutes for you, adapt your game a little bit. We need you to play the three position. And he did with some challenges, mostly defensively. But he came into this league so highly because of his defense, his versatility, his wingspan, all those different things. Sometimes he gambles too much, certainly. I also think that's a trait of any young player. You're wanting to make something happen. You're wanting to stand out in ways maybe you can't otherwise because you're not the number one or top four priority guys out on the floor offensively. So for me, this can be a significant year for both of them, but none more than Matheran. He's in a contract year and is obviously ready for that first big payday.
Podcast Host
It's funny, as you mentioned Ben Matthew starting, my immediate instinct was like. But the way he plays feels like they need him coming off the bench. Right. Because of how he acts as such, as a spark plug. But we'd be remiss to not mention and not ask about. You know, we talk about Andrew Nemhard being the point guard, sure. But the true number one now, Pascal Siakam, where do you see his game evolving? Because that's something that we know he's capable of in terms of being a star in this game. But I think the number one narrative around him is like, he's a perfect number two anywhere, but now he's going to be forced into this number one role. How does that feel for you, seeing him be put in that position?
Expert Analyst
Yeah. The interesting thing to me about all that is kind of he's been the quiet number one guy, I would say, for the Pacers Now. Tyrese dictates everything. He's the ball, a guy with the ball in his hands. They're playing an offense that's suited for him, that is built around him. That said, Pascal's been The most consistent guy the last two years. He's been their top score the last couple of years. To me, Tyrese is what makes it all happen. But Pascal has been the most productive, consistent player out on the court. So for me, I'm not really looking for anything more from Pascal. I think the, the thing that has surprised me and everyone around the team most is how this quiet guy has taken on more of a leadership role. He's gotten out of his comfort zone because he's not a natural loud rah rah cheerleader by any means. But he was the voice they were leaning on throughout this finals run. Not only because he had been there both of the G League championship and an NBA championship, but he's the older guy in the room and not old by any means. At like 33, I think now 32. But I think, I think his patience, process oriented type style will be a positive for this team. I wouldn't be surprised if they go down to Orlando for another players only minicamp. And for him to do that in his first off season with the team last year, really impressive. But. So I don't really know of any way maybe necessarily he'll adapt or evolve his game. I think you just want him be exactly what he is right now. Maybe you'll run a few more things through him. I wouldn't mind seeing that.
Podcast Host
Do they change the system for him then?
Expert Analyst
I don't know.
Podcast Host
As like the true number one.
Expert Analyst
I will say the challenge about that is all these pieces were brought in to play this one style. Now Pascal is a guy who can play any style and we've seen that because he's much more like Ben. He's much more methodical. Let's play in the half court. Throw it to me on the block, read, react. So that's something I wouldn't mind seeing a little bit more of because I think at times they forget about him. And you'll look in the second half, he has one shot and it's in the middle of the fourth quarter and then down by 10. So I think that would be an area I would like to see changes play through him a little bit more and that's both on him and his teammates. He's got to demand the ball and they've got to decisively attack through him because he can attack in different ways than the rest of the team. He can operate in the mid range and is really good at that knockdown shot. It's just the way in which they want to play is a little bit counter to that Yeah, I love, you.
Scott Agnes
Know, obviously the growth you mentioned as a leader has been really cool to see just because, I mean, he's posting it on Instagram and like the whole like Instagram movies that he drops to, those are very cool. But it's.
Podcast Host
It.
Scott Agnes
To your point about the offensive style, like we've seen him even in Toronto be a number one option for a team that's been middle of the pack, like playoff decent offense. Like there's a potential there for him to do that again for Indiana. And truthfully, I think the offense complements him a little bit more because there is spacing, there is shooting, there is secondary ball handling and like, you know, at that point you have a Pascal Siakam led offense that maybe gets you into the playoffs. Above that moving forward. And kind of looking into the years after this one because we've, we've kind of beat around the bush. It is a bit of a gap year for this Pacers team as they await for their intrepid leader in Tyrese Halliburton to come on as well and return and hopefully he's healthy. What does it look like? Because you, you kind of mentioned the, the doing the center by committee thing, looking for some internal development with Ben Matheran and Jarris Walker. We know how quickly title contending windows can shut on you. How do you look for the next iteration of this championship core? Do you go out and trade for a center once Halliburton gets healthy? They obviously have the flexibility. What does the, the next version of this team after this year look like, in your opinion?
Expert Analyst
Yeah, I still think obviously you stay all in with Tyrese. He's just going into year two of his max contract. Pascal's in year two of a max contract. They all got paid at the same time. In one area I give them credit for is I don't think we saw anybody relax or get content or hey, I'm good, no big deal. I don't think we saw any of that. If anything, it motivated them even more. I do wonder about PASCAL in, in two or three years, right, when you're, when you're 35 and in that final year of the deal, that was the only thing that did concern me when they gave him, I think a four year deal last summer at this time. I wondered all along if, if, if like A guy like T.J. mcConnell, who knows his years in the league are narrowing, would he want to maybe move on and go to a different situation and go be that backup point guard on a true contending team this upcoming season knowing he probably has just a couple more good years left where he can be that jolt and Energizer Bunny kind of guy off the bench. But the reality is I think they're all just so happy and content here. But, but the center spot, I think number one, you're hoping one of James Wiseman or Isaiah Jackson blossoms at mo at worst into being a true, dependable, reliable backup center. And I think Isaiah Jackson was on the fringe of doing that. James Wiseman, we didn't even see him five minutes. So I can't even explain if that was going to work out. I think it would, but we got very little sample size there, a training camp and that's just about it. And then I think I, I really thought when they had that early second round pick, I thought they might use that and go get their, their big. You would have a year because usually these bigs need three or four years to develop under. You know, stay out of foul trouble, take good shots, understand NBA pacing and in space as well. I like that Creighton big defensive. Yeah, exactly. I thought he might have been a perfect fit. I believe he was still available or right around then out that spot at 35, 36 or whatever. But ultimately they chose to go garden. If anything, I think right now their content at center for this season and maybe looking to add another guard to add some depth a little bit more with Tyrese being out. But yeah, I think absolutely you have to address that center position for the years to come because right now I think yes, you can replace Miles and but there's certain areas where I think throughout the season fans are going to realize, wow, we had it good from that aspect or we never had to really worry about it. Sure Miles, Miles had his faults, he was never a great rebounder. But the other along the same conversation is a lot of what he. His job was, was to get the other center out of there so that while he may not get the rebound, his teammates would be in charge of getting the rebound as long as he kept his guy away from him. So there's a lot of nuance in my mind about Miles's role. The challenge was I don't think the Pacers were willing to go beyond that $22 million a year. And I think ultimately he was able to get 26, 27 when it comes down to that. But yeah, I think you get a center and then the big thing is that I've been putting. Pushing for, for the last six, seven years is they need that new prototype two way guy now. And more to that kind of that 6, 8 forward, although it's very early to be clear, but maybe a Johnny Furfee could potentially develop into something like that. That's at least what you are hoping. He's a guy that they moved up for in the early second round of last year's NBA draft. He continues to grow and the interesting thing to me was covering him in Vegas at summer league. There's, I think the roster there was like 15 guys, nine of them were rookies. He's a second year guy. He was the youngest guy still on the roster, barely 20 years old. So I'm like, look, he's probably got another growth spurt in him. He's, his body is going to develop a great deal. He's already probably 6, 8. If he could turn into something, maybe even a starting three in a couple of years, that would be significant for this Pacers team that's really lacked that Paul George archetype since they moved on from him and, and then Bojan Big Donovich left and went to Utah in free agency.
Scott Agnes
I just want to mention real quick, this Pacers team, it's a, it's a, you know, you have to thread a needle here afterwards. But they have young players, they have all of their picks, they have salaries. There is a world in which even though the fat, even though they lost Miles Turner, they can go out and get something bigger and better and maybe even be better for it. Just, just want to throw it out there. I think there's a world in which they can do that. I think this front office has shown that they can do something like that, that we'll see how it goes down. Very interesting year for the Indiana Pacers.
Expert Analyst
Where this Pacers front office has been at their best is valuing guys differently than other teams, seeing them, how they're not used properly in their mind and going out and acquiring them. Their drafts have been better lately. We're not good about 10 years ago, but where they have excelled is the trade market. Just think of all of these key placers right now. Halliburton acquired Siakam, acquired Aaron Neesmith acquired Nimard. You can argue the same thing. He, they acquired that pick and used it on him. So yeah, I think the Pacers front office will absolutely be monitoring those type of players that are available. And because they didn't tie themselves up with a Miles Turner contract for four years now there's that empty hole. The challenge is you got nothing for him. That's probably the biggest concern is a player that has been with you all this time that you drafted, you developed and you got nothing for him.
Podcast Host
Listen, at the end of the day though, they still have James Johnson. So that is always helpful for your.
Expert Analyst
Future to be determined.
Podcast Host
And in short, we'll see. That's true.
Expert Analyst
I mean, we'll see.
Podcast Host
That's true. That's true.
Scott Agnes
Hopefully he's back.
Expert Analyst
They needed it.
Podcast Host
Hopefully he's back. They need their enforcer. Okay. Exactly. Exactly. Scott, Agnes, thank you as always for coming in, giving us all the insight around Indiana. We even got a little bit of fever insight as well. Go check them out at Field House Files. On behalf of Scott S and myself, we're asking you go do that survey. The link is in the bio and we're thanking you for listening. Enjoy the rest of your day, guys.
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Podcast Summary: The Athletic NBA Daily - "Pacers Whiplash with Scott Agnes"
Release Date: July 31, 2025
Hosts: Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, and Esfandiar Baraheni
Guest: Scott Agnes of Field House Files
In the July 31, 2025 episode of The Athletic NBA Daily, hosts Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, and Esfandiar Baraheni welcome Scott Agnes from Field House Files to delve deep into the tumultuous journey of the Indiana Pacers. The episode, titled "Pacers Whiplash with Scott Agnes," provides a comprehensive analysis of the Pacers' recent NBA Finals run, the subsequent emotional and organizational upheavals, and the outlook for the upcoming season.
Scott Agnes begins by recounting the Indiana Pacers' extraordinary run to the NBA Finals, describing it as "a miraculous and incredible all-time level Finals run" (03:20). The team showcased remarkable resilience through multiple comebacks, with standout performances from Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam. However, the excitement was soured by the abrupt and devastating loss in Game 7, largely due to Haliburton's Achilles tear—a significant injury expected to sideline him for the entire next season.
Notable Quote:
"What a gut-wrenching way for it to end. And that was Tyrese Halliburton's injury in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, an Achilles tear which basically all but cemented him to miss next season." (03:50)
Following the Finals disappointment, the Pacers faced a series of unexpected offseason changes. The departure of Miles Turner to the Milwaukee Bucks as an unrestricted free agent marked a significant blow to the team's core. Agnes highlights the unusual nature of Turner's exit, noting the lack of public gratitude from the Pacers organization despite Turner's long tenure and fan support.
Notable Quote:
"It's very odd the fact that... there was just an abrupt inning even going to the fact guys that as we're recording this at the end of July, I have not still seen a post on Instagram, on Twitter saying anything. Hey, shout out to Miles." (07:52)
Other offseason moves included the resignation of Isaiah Jackson, trading for Jay Huff, and remarkable performances in the summer league, such as Johnny Furfee's dunk on Mitchell Bouz Ellis.
The hosts and Agnes discuss the emotional roller coaster experienced by Pacers fans. From the pinnacle of an NBA Finals appearance to the depths of losing key players and facing multiple injuries, the fanbase has endured significant emotional strain.
Notable Quote:
"There's been highs of highs... and being on the cusp of it, leading at halftime of the ultimate game of game seven. And then the, it's the double whammy, right?" (05:11)
Agnes draws parallels to past injuries within the organization, such as those to Danny Granger, Paul George, Victor Oladipo, and Jeremy Lamb, emphasizing a recurring theme of key player injuries hampering the team's success.
A significant portion of the discussion centers on Miles Turner's unexpected move to the Bucks. Agnes expresses confusion and disappointment over the lack of farewell from the Pacers, especially given Turner's contributions and long-standing relationship with the team.
Notable Quote:
"He was a guy who's been the longest tenured Pacer who has had a fan section at Pacers games bought on his own money since his second season." (07:52)
The abrupt nature of Turner's departure raises questions about team chemistry and organizational direction, especially in the wake of Haliburton's injury.
With Haliburton injured and Turner departed, the Pacers face a redefinition of their core lineup. The team is anticipated to navigate a "gap year," adjusting to the absence of their primary playmaker and leader.
Andrew Nemhard is poised to take on a more significant role as the primary point guard. Agnes anticipates Nemhard's transition to leader on the court, noting his potential for growth and increased usage.
Notable Quote:
"Andrew Nemhard is tied for first in terms of most improved player odds at BetMG... Nemhard is clearly there." (22:04)
The discussion moves to younger players like Ben Matheran and Jairus Walker, who are expected to step up in the absence of established veterans.
Ben Matheran: Anticipated to become a starter, especially given his contract year status. Agnes highlights his aggressive playstyle and potential for growth.
Notable Quote:
"I pencil in Matheran as your starter. One out of it makes too much sense." (23:02)
Jairus Walker: Known for his defensive versatility, Walker has opportunities to expand his role and showcase his skills further.
Notable Quote:
"Jairus Walker... has a lot that they could go paint with a masterpiece and we'll see what they can create." (22:04)
Pascal Siakam is expected to take on a more prominent role, potentially evolving into the team's primary scorer and leader. Agnes appreciates Siakam's consistent performance and leadership qualities, suggesting that his role may adapt to fill the void left by Haliburton.
Notable Quote:
"Pascal has been the most consistent guy the last two years... I wouldn't be surprised if they go down to Orlando for another players-only minicamp." (26:16)
Agnes discusses the strategic decisions the Pacers' front office must make to navigate this transitional period effectively. The emphasis is on developing existing talent, assessing contractual commitments, and potentially exploring trades to fill critical gaps, especially at the center position.
Notable Quote:
"Where this Pacers front office has been at their best is valuing guys differently than other teams... Their drafts have been better lately." (35:49)
Despite losing Turner without gaining significant assets in return, the Pacers' management is praised for their keen eye in player acquisitions and trade market maneuvers.
The episode wraps up with reflections on fan sentiment and the road ahead for the Indiana Pacers. Despite the challenges, there's optimism about the team's resilience and ability to adapt. The hosts encourage listeners to engage with the show by providing feedback and staying connected through Field House Files for deeper insights.
Notable Quote:
"Hopefully he's back. They needed it." (36:02)
"Pacers Whiplash with Scott Agnes" offers a thorough examination of the Indiana Pacers' current state, highlighting the highs of their Finals run and the lows of significant injuries and player departures. The discussion underscores the uncertainty looming over the upcoming season while emphasizing the potential within the team's emerging talents and strategic front office decisions. Fans are left with a nuanced understanding of the challenges ahead and the cautious optimism necessary to support the Pacers through this tumultuous period.
For more in-depth analysis and updates, listeners are encouraged to visit Field House Files and participate in the show's feedback survey linked in the podcast description.