Picking up the Pacers

Of all the things going down in the NBA at the present moment, nothing could be sweeter than hearing that the Indiana Pacers have a new head coach. This isn't to say that the search for our newbie, Jim O'Brien, was way overdue. Not at all. In fact, he could be the perfect fit for the Pacers as far as Larry Bird is concerned. Rick Carlisle may have done many wonders for Indiana - I mean, the Pacers had the best NBA record a few years back - but last year, I dunno; I just lost faith in him as so many other hardcore Pacers fans out there.

Why for? You might ask.

Injuries were one key factor for why the Pacers didn't get into this year's playoffs. Another is consistency. Another is plain discipline. I mean, having some of your stars get out of line, get hurt & make noise in the news is one thing; when those same stars decide to keep making the same off-the-court blunders, that's enough reason for changing the team morale. Hopefully, O'Brien can restore some order on the Pacers' court, & provide the team with much-needed discipline (which is one thing they're in desperate need of). Here's the thing: O'Brien could do a lot of great things for this ballclub during the 2007-08 season. Yet the likelihood of his tenure staying strong @ Indianapolis will depend on if he lives up to his promises.

I mean, I loved the Pacers way back when, before they got torn apart in every which way imaginable. What really started to dim my love for my formerly #1 ballclub in the NBA was the whole Pistons-Pacers incident at Auburn Hills (while Carlisle was still head coach). After that, I just dunno...the Pacers that I used to know & love weren't the same Pacers I've been supporting for the longest time.

But with O'Brien now at the helm, things could be looking up @ Conseco Fieldhouse. Could the Pacers find redemption after last season's debacle? We shall see, but the outlook is hopeful for now & anything could happen.

And for all you Pacers fans who want to see Indiana back in the NBA playoffs next season, I've just one question to ask: "Where is the love?"