Passion. Pride. Pacers: An Indiana Pacers Association

[33_ALLDAY_33]

Pacer's Get Lucky Spin. Will Chose 2nd in Upcoming NBA Draft.
July 10, 2009

Entering the draft with only a 1.3% chance of getting the number 1 pick, the Indiana Pacer's pulled off what was believed to be a huge upset as they get the opportunity to choose 2nd in the draft. The Pacers, who were projected to pick 9th in the draft have set everything in motion to set up work outs for the upcoming draft class.

Many are wondering who the Pacer's should select. Whether they should select based on needs or based on the best available player. If the team selects based on needs, then they would easily go for PF, Wade Henry out of Tulsa University. The 6'10" 280lb forward has drawn comparisons to Jermaine O'Neal in his prime and has a great all around game on the floor.

If the Pacers select based on best available player then there best bet would be with SG, George Norton out of IPFW. We do knwo that the fans here are pushing for AD to draft the kid considering IPFW is right here in Indiana and we know that the Pacer love to run big guards with Dunleavy playing the 2 standing a 6'9" so acquiring this 6'8" guard would be beneficial for the team. However, if they select Norton, it could mean that Dunleavy would have no spot on the squad considering Brandon Rush and George Norton. There are just so many possibilities for the Pacers that this draft could be the turning point for this franchise.

Draft Potential's



[SG] George Norton
6'8" 234 lbs | 21 Year old
College: Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne

Overall: A | Playmaker Ability: B
Potential: ? | Inside Defense: C
Athleticism: A | Man Defense: A
Inside Game: B | Rebounding: B
Outside Game: B | Intangibles: C

Norton started his collegiate career at UCLA where he played the 2001–2002 and 2002–2003 seasons. After a lackluster 12–18 season in 2005-2006, he would transfer to IPFW for the 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 seasons. In 2008-2009, he became the first player in school history to get 60 assists, 60 blocks, and 60 steals in a season.



[PF] Wade Henry
6'10" 280 lbs | 22 years old
College: Tulsa University

Overall: A | Playmaker Ability: C
Potential: ? | Inside Defense: A
Athleticism: A | Man Defense: B
Inside Game: A | Rebounding: B
Outside Game: C | Intangibles: C

Henry was on a number of college recruiting lists. Florida and Memphis made serious attempts, but it was Paul Hewitt, coach of the University of Tulsa, who made the best impression. Henry felt Hewitt would look out for his best interests and respect his aspirations to play professional basketball; moreover, Tulsa's transition offense impressed the teenager.

Henry eventually chose to follow the footsteps of his cousin and aunt and attended Tulsa to study graphic design and computer imaging, and subsequently, management. There, he led the GOlden Hurricanes in averaging 15.6 points, 9.0 rebounds and 2.2 blocks in 31 games, Henry originally intended to complete his degree as he valued the importance of education, but by the end of the 2008-2009 season, his strong performances convinced him that he was ready for the NBA.

[33_ALLDAY_33]

This is looking great. How many games is your first season going to be?

Thanks a lot, man.

I'm running an 82 game season where I will be playing every third game and simulating everything else in between. Just to make this go by a little faster.

[ohvitser12]

im Loving it already,but i would go for Henry,cause he is a pf and athletisism is grade A.Ive never seen that before in my dynastys,first thought was Dwight howard

[33_ALLDAY_33]

im Loving it already,but i would go for Henry,cause he is a pf and athletisism is grade A.Ive never seen that before in my dynastys,first thought was Dwight howard

Thank's alot man. This is mos def going ot be a tough decision. I could easily draft Norton and then trade off Dunleavy to get a power forward or center. Or i could draft Wade and trade off Tinsley for a Center.

Both players did very well in the workouts, too. I'm going to need to seriously think about this one.

[33_ALLDAY_33]

Sacramento Keeps Odds & Will Choose 1st in NBA Draft
July 15, 2009

With the NBA Draft now just 3 days away, team's are collecting all the information they took and gathering them for last minute analysis. After a dismal 2008-2009 season, the Sacramento Kings have the opportunity to select 1st in the NBA Draft. If the Mock Draft holds up then we could see Sacramento selecting SF, Richard Drew out of Boston College. The 6'7" 230 lbs forward has been the talk of Sacramento for the past week and looks to be the favorite heading into the draft.



[SF] Richard Drew
6'7" 230 lbs | 22 years old
College: Boston College

Overall: A | Playmaker Ability: B
Potential: ? | Inside Defense: A
Athleticism: A | Man Defense: A
Inside Game: B | Rebounding: C
Outside Game: A | Intangibles: A

After earning top honors as the National Junior College Player of the Year in 2007, Drew transferred to Boston College and was widely regarded as one of the best recruit since former No. 1 NBA pick and college player of the year Larry Johnson in 1989. Drew played his junior year at Boston, where he led the team in scoring (18.7 ppg) and rebounding (9.3 rpg), but opted to turn pro after only one Division I season. He blocked 54 shots and had 73 steals in 29 games. Drew's breakout game was a career-high 34-point, 21-rebound, six-steal effort on national television on Feb. 22, 2008 in a 76-72 loss to Texas Christian. Drew played his first two seasons at Vincennes University in Indiana, where he was a two-time winner of the Allen J. Bradford NJCAA Region 12 MVP Award.

Drew was named MVP of the National Junior College All-Star Game after collecting 21 points, 16 rebounds and nine assists. As a freshman, he averaged 23.3 points and 12.8 rebounds per game. His point total of 838 was the second highest single-season total in school history, and he was named Second Team Junior College All-America.

[33_ALLDAY_33]

PASSION. PRIDE. PACERS: AN INDIANA PACERS ASSOCIATION

CHAPTER ONE: WHERE AMAZING HAPPENS

[Non-stop chattering]

"Excuse me everyone!" Larry Bird interrupted. "Excuse me! Can I have have everyone's attention please? Today is the big night and we all must stay focused." There were a lot of people in the room including, head coach, Jim O' Brien, assistant coaches, Dick Harter and Lester Connor as well as strength and conditioning coach, Shawn Windle. Bird, continued, "Now this 2nd pick was one hell of a surprise to everybody in this room. And I for one do not want it to go to waste."

Everybody looked on with a stern look on their face as if somebody slapped them across the face and they didn't know how to respond. "Now in a few seconds, our new General Manager, AD, will walk through those doors with his final decision as to who we will be selecting for this year draft." Everybody looked at the person closest to them in curiosity as to who AD has selected to be the face of this franchise alongside Granger, Hibbert and Rush. Just sitting in front of the door was the team's assistant coaches Harter and Connor. Harter asked Connor, "So who do you think we're getting this year?" Connor replied, "Knowing Shawn Windle, I bet he'd love to work with Wade Henry. His 6'10" stature and 280 lb frame would be great with Hibbert in the frontcourt, wouldn't you think?"

Harter replied, "Yeah man, he'd be a great addition to our frontcourt. I heard he had 4 blocks in his workout against Troy Murphy! Man, if this kid is the real deal we simple have to take him with the 2nd pick." Both men agreed and continued to join in on the others' conversations as to who they will pick at number 2.

Just then, everybody drew there focus to the door handle which was slowly turning in an open motion.

"Hey! AD, how's it going?" Bird yelled out. In walked a 6'5" man who stood tall as if he was in the army. "Good Larry, just great. Listen the draft is just moments away and we need to take care of some business." AD responded. As he approached the head of the table, AD took notice of the white board with possible selections on it. He quickly went up to the white board and erased every name on it and wrote one single name. The name indicated the player they were going to select in the 2009 NBA Draft.

"Enough said," AD said. Some looked shocked, others looked please. In that situation, it didn't matter. AD was the big dawg Larry Bird selected so any type of protest would be out of the question. "Are you sure, AD?" Bird asked. AD glanced at Bird and said, "You put me in charge to make major decisions- decisions lie these for the team, am I correct?" Bird replied, "Yeah, you're right." AD continued, "Then I'm sure. I never re-think a final answer. He's the guy I want and he's the guy we're drafting."

Everybody looked on in silence, scared to voice an opinion because the thought of AD responding to them with snotty, condescending answer was not in their plans for the night.

AD then grabbed the remote and turned the t.v. revealing the 1st pick of the NBA Draft just before Stern walked out:

With the first pick of the 2009 NBA Draft... the Sacramento Kings have selected... Richard Drew out of Boston College! Sacramento fans and family of Richard Drew all stood up and applauded their young player. As Drew walked up to the stage to take a picture with David Stern, Stern approached the mic and said, "The Indiana Pacer's are now on the clock."

The given time never even fully went down as the Pacers already had their selection. However, AD wanted to build the anticipation so he waited a bit before passing on the selection to David Stern.

2 minutes left, and Ad had had enough. He passed on the selection to David Stern and Stern nodded his head with a smile and told the rookie GM, "Good choice." As David Stern walked to the podium, Pacer fans and even the players drew in carefully to listen to the pick.

With the 2nd pick in the 2009 NBA Draft...

Everybody got close.

The Indiana Pacers select...

Everybody got closer.

Wade Henry out of Tulsa University!

The 6'10" rookie stood up and admired everyone around him. As he walked up to David Stern, Wade turned back to his supporters and raised both his arms in success. Henry, took his picture and walked off for his interview with Stephen A. Smith.

Back in the meeting room, the entire room was filled with applause and cheering. "Great selection!" Strength and conditioning coach Shawn Windle stated. AD gave a forced smile and said thanks. Larry Bird walked up to Ad and gave him a handshake and hug and congratualted AD for making his first major move in his young career. Bird leaned in to Ad's ear and whispered, "Now take us where no other Gm has taken us, kid. This season is your's."

AD awcknowledged the comment and nodded his head in agreement.

After hours of twists and turns and Indiana selecting a 6'8" guard by the name of Phil Roy with their 2nd draft pick, the NBA Draft came to a conclusion and David Stern wished all the rookies good luck and a safe season.

With his first big move out of the way, GM AD knew that it was going to be rough and long road till the regular season starts and that he had other issues to face to get this team in shape for the upcoming season. As he went back to his office, the only thing going through Ad's mind was Jamaal Tinsley.

He knew that with the backcourt of Jarret Jack and T.J. Ford, Tinsley's contract would be his number 1 priority and that he would find a home for the disgruntled guard before the season begins.

[Fresh8]

Good articles and I like the writing. Props to you!

[33_ALLDAY_33]

Good articles and I like the writing. Props to you!

Thanks a lot, Sit. I'll have more updates coming soon.

[33_ALLDAY_33]

Pacer's Send Tinsley to Portland, Acquire Channing Frye in Process
July 24, 2009



Indianapolis, Indiana- GM AD wasted no time in finding a home for the disgruntled Jamaal Tinsley. AD placed Tinsley on the trading block and Portland quickly went on the attack to try and acquire the 6'3" guard. In the process, the Blazers would receive not only Tinsley but Shawne Williams as well. It was stated from a source that Portland would only send Frye if Indiana sent Williams.

Tinsley averaged 3.6 points and 2.4 assists with his skid with Indiana and Shawne Williams averaged 1.8 points, 0.5 rebounds and 0.2 assists per game.

I think Portland got the huge end with the trade as they receive the 6'11" center, Channing Frye. Frye, 26, will look to be the back-up of Roy Hibbert and a reliable one at that. Despite only averaging 2.7 points and 1.5 rebounds, Frye has proven that he can play a major role to any team with his long arms and average but improving post game.

Frye will look to join the young froncourt of Indiana who's oldest player is Troy Murphy at 29 years old.

Other Free Agency News



It seems as if the Pacer's werent done with the Channing Frye trade. In an attempt to help them with their new outside game scheme, the Indiana Pacers have elected to sign SG, Rashad McCants. McCants, 25, will look to add more depth to the team with his outside shooting. Of course, with the acquisition of McCants, this will make Mike Dunleavy Jr. go back to his natural Small Forward position.

When asked about how this would fare, Head Coach, Jim O' Briend stated that with the rise of Brandon Rush into the starting line-up, Dunleavy will take the important role of 6th man. Dunleavy showed no signs of disappointment saying, "Anyway I can help the team. It doesn't matter where they need me."

Nothing is stated as to what the Pacers will do with Rodney Carney. Carney was picked up in a trade that sent the underachieveing David Harrison to the Timberwolves. But if I'm correct, I believe they will keep Carney for his versitility for switching from the 3 and the 2 position..

[33_ALLDAY_33]

Sonic's Make Huge Signing; Acquire Hedo Turkoglu & Devin Harris
July 31, 2009



Seattle, Washington- After a mediocre season last year, the Seattle Supersonics came into the free agency period and landed not one, but two big signings as they acquired SF, Hedo Turkoglu and PG, Devin Harris. The 6'10" small forward spent last season with the Orlando Magic averaging 17.3 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.0 assist's per game as the Magic's made an early exit being eliminated in the 2nd round of the Playoffs.

Harris, 26, left the New Jersey Nets after a dismal 2008-2009 season in which he believed sealed the deal. He then issued his statement saying how we will join the free agency class. Now, Harris will look to join his fellow classmate, Hedo Turkoglu in helping the Sonics turn back around and take them as far as they possibly can into the post season.

Turkoglu and Harris will look to be a part of the building process which is focused around Kevin Durant, Russel Westbrook and Jeff Green.

Other Free Agency News



Portland, Oregon- Even after the trade that gave them Jamaal TInsley, the Portland Trail Blazers have decided to sign All-Star and Hall of Famer Jason Kidd. Kidd will join the point guard position along with Jarryd Bayless, Jamaal Tinsley and Steve Blake. Nothing hasb een released as to how the Blazer's will run this position and whol will get to see playing time but many have specualted that Kidd will be the starter with either Bayless or Tinsley as the back up.



Oakland, California- Retiring? I dont think so! The Golden State Warriors filled a big need by signing the 6'10" defensive stopper, Alonzo Mourning. Don Nelson issued a statement saying that, "Mourning will be a huge upgrade for us in the frontcourt. It will not only provide us with more defense but it can relieve Andres Biedrins of all the big man duties down low."

This move will for sure make the Warriors a "don't sleep on them" team. They have all the talent at every position and now they have a guy with experience who can guide them during the season.



Memphis, Tennessee- Seeing enough of the failed and underachieving season, David Lee has decided to go into free agency and has recently signed with the Memphis Grizzlies. The 26 year old Power Forward will join O.J. Mayo and Rudy Gay in building the team to a title contender.

No doubt, Lee's play has sparked in interest in every team in the league. But after offers and offers, Lee has decided to go with Memphis because of the potential. Lee is most known for his rebounding skills and his hustle on offense and defense. That's just the type of player Memphis needs in that frontcourt.



Cleveland, Ohio- After a disappointing year, the Cavaliers knew they need more role players to help LeBron get his title. With that, they acquired Andre Millers from free agency. Miller, who averaged 14.9 points, 3.5 rebounds and 7.7 assists last season, will look to join Mo Williams in helping the King get his crown.



Minneapolis, Minnesota- After releasing Rashad McCants and trading away Rodney Carney, the Timberwolve's needed to fill a void at SG/SF fast. I believe they made a great move in acquring J.R. Smith. Smith, 24, has the same game style as McCants with his ability to shoot the three at any moment and the ability to go on a hot streak during any given night.

Smith averaged 21.2 points and 3.3 assist's with the Denver Nuggets.

[33_ALLDAY_33]

PASSION. PRIDE. PACERS: AN INDIANA PACERS ASSOCIATION

2009-2010 Preseason in Review



The preseason is here and Indiana has a mediocre schedule. The team's first game will be in Atlanta where they will face Joe Johnson and the defending NBA Champion Atlanta Hawks. The Hawks haven't changed much of their roster as they re-signed Mike Bibby, Josh Smith and Marvin Williams to keep the core group together.

This preseason will be a try-out period for the Pacers as Jim O'Brien will mainly use this period to switch up the starting line-up's to see who meshes well with who, so look for a lot of changing within the line-up throughout the preseason. A source has stated that O'Brien will start the Atlanta game with what is known as Indiana's projected line-up. That line-up will consist of T.J. Ford, Brandon Rush, Danny Granger, Troy Murphy and Roy Hibbert. A very strong starting group, but anything can be changed in an instant.

The Pacer's will then go back home and face the New York Knicks. Having rid of David Lee and signing rookie power forward, Cameron Williamson to replace Lee, the Knicks look to have most of their rosters from the previous season. If memory serves me correctly, the Knicks were only a couple games below .500 with that squad so a lot of expectations are being given to the Knicks this year.

Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks will see the Pacers twice this preseason as they will meet October 13 and then again as Indiana closes its preseason. Mark Cuban let go of Brandon bass in the off season, which was a big mistake. The Mavericks don't have much of a deep bench. Despite the starting 5, the Mavs' next best player is a veteran in Alan Henderson. So I don't see the Pacers' young team having any problems facing the Mavs twice.

After resigning Carlos Boozer to a huge extension, the Utah Jazz are looking to rebound after a dismal 2008-2009 season where they didn't even see the playoffs. With pretty much the returnign cast (including newly acquired, Ike Diogu) the Jazz are still one of the favorites in the West. Being led by Deron Williams, many predict a huge turnaround and expect to see the Jazz in the playoffs this season.

The Pacers will also meet the Jazz twice this preseason.

Lastly, without Devin Harris, the Net's don't have a forsure point guard. They drafted rookie, Mathew Sullivan with the 6th pick in the draft and they do expect him to lead this team in the future. The only other significant change the Nets made this offseason was acquiring center, DJ Mbenga. Other than that, the core group will return with high hopes this season. Surprisingly enough, trade talks have already been leaked regarding Vince Carter. After Jason Kidd and Richard Jefferson left, Carter has been forced to lead this franchise alone. Despite that distraction, the Nets are a mediocre team that can make mediocre noise in the East.

Oddly enough, I don't see the Pacers having any real problems going through this preseason with a decent record. My prediction will be a 4-3 record with losses coming from Atlanta, Utah and Dallas. Or a 5-2 record with losses to Atlanta and Utah.

[33_ALLDAY_33]

Just a head's up guys. I won't put recaps for the each preseason game but for the entire preseason as a whole. So updates will be sort of slow at this point as I play each game. You all can keep replying though and give me feedback.

Thanks in advance!

LETS GO INDIANA!!!!

[Martti.]

Are you the same person who did this one? viewtopic.php?f=92&t=64674

Cause the presentation is awfully similar.

[33_ALLDAY_33]

Are you the same person who did this one? viewtopic.php?f=92&t=64674

Cause the presentation is awfully similar.

Lol, yeah it is. But no I'm not. I did however get my ideas from a number of people on the board so I wouldn't surprised if my layouts n stuff were alike.

[hova-]

Nice presentation. I like your trades and I really think you can make it to the 2nd round of the playoffs or further. Good luck!

[Hedonist]

Actually the 7 games is the 1st round. The way I saw it was that I wanted to make every series THAT much harder to win.I could've went and made the Final a 1 game winner take all match but I wanted a bit more excitement so that if one team win's the first game it makes the other game a must win for the opposite team no matter what.

As far as what you stated about the upset's, that's exactly what I was going for. I'm not into knowing what team is going to make it. I want some upsets to up the interest level of the playoffs.

I guess it probably would've made sense to make all rounds best-of-three then, as the results in the 1st round are usually much more predictable than later on. In other words, # 8 seeds would have a bigger shot at upsetting a # 1 seed.
Another thing about the best-of-three format: it enhances the home court advantage. Just wondering if you realized that. I have no idea how strong an effect that has in the game btw.

On the trades:
Go Seattle!

On pre-season games:
My association started on Oct. 27 and my first league game was Oct. 29. Is that an option starting in the 2009 season?

And on Danny Granger:
I just played the Pacers in my Association; he was unbelievably good.
He got contested three-pointers from at least 2 feet out of the arc to fall (4 from 8), he pulled dunks on me, he started as SF but he also played well as a C & PF, especially offensively (34 pts, 14 from 23). I didn't know he was that good.

[33_ALLDAY_33]

Actually the 7 games is the 1st round. The way I saw it was that I wanted to make every series THAT much harder to win.I could've went and made the Final a 1 game winner take all match but I wanted a bit more excitement so that if one team win's the first game it makes the other game a must win for the opposite team no matter what.

As far as what you stated about the upset's, that's exactly what I was going for. I'm not into knowing what team is going to make it. I want some upsets to up the interest level of the playoffs.

I guess it probably would've made sense to make all rounds best-of-three then, as the results in the 1st round are usually much more predictable than later on. In other words, # 8 seeds would have a bigger shot at upsetting a # 1 seed.
Another thing about the best-of-three format: it enhances the home court advantage. Just wondering if you realized that. I have no idea how strong an effect that has in the game btw.

On the trades:
Go Seattle!

On pre-season games:
My association started on Oct. 27 and my first league game was Oct. 29. Is that an option starting in the 2009 season?

And on Danny Granger:
I just played the Pacers in my Association; he was unbelievably good.
He got contested three-pointers from at least 2 feet out of the arc to fall (4 from 8), he pulled dunks on me, he started as SF but he also played well as a C & PF, especially offensively (34 pts, 14 from 23). I didn't know he was that good.

Lol personally I didn't really think about that (Playoff formats), but personally I like how I set it up. Your make a lot of sense to me and I wish I wouldve asked this question sooner, too lol.

As far as:

The trades: I hate Seattle lol! They always get the good players during the free agency period.

Preseason games: Are you talking about the preseason games or the regular season games? The Pacers preseason started on Oct. 11 and will end Oct. 25. Then after that I have two blank days (26, 27) and then it takes me directly to the regular season which I believe begins on Oct. 29 or maybe later. I dont know if that answered your question lol.

Danny Granger: I'm telling you man, Granger is the REAL DEAL. Put him on a team with a great supporting cast and I promise this kid will live up to his potential and be one of the greatest underrated small forwards! lol but thats just my take

[33_ALLDAY_33]

Nice presentation. I like your trades and I really think you can make it to the 2nd round of the playoffs or further. Good luck!

Thanka man, that's what I'm hoping. Anything less then the 2nd round would be a disappointment considering I'm playing in the East lol.

[33_ALLDAY_33]

Major Trade in NBA Sends Ben Gordon to Lakers



Los Angeles, California- No joke here folks, the Laker's just got deeper with there recent acquisition of Ben Gordon. After Trevor Ariza had problems finding his game in L.A., the Lakers decided to ship him off to Chicago where he will join Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls. Ariza averaged 1.6 points, 0.9 rebounds and 0.6 assist's in his stay with Los Angeles.

For L.A., the Laker's are looking to begin the season with a deep bench. And with Ben Gordon coming off of that particular bench, you can't go wrong. The disgruntled Gordon has been demanding a trade to leave Chicago where he was heavily frowned upon by the organization. Now, it seems Gordon will have the last laugh as he join a title contending team while his former Bulls will look to fight in the East.

Gordon averaged 18.3 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists in his career with the Chicago Bulls.

[Martti.]

I hate this trade The Lakers got stronger.. Great signings for Seattle though. Memphis also did well by signing Lee.

[kibaxx7]

I hate this trade The Lakers got stronger..

Yeah that sucks, can't stand them

[33_ALLDAY_33]

I hate this trade The Lakers got stronger.. Great signings for Seattle though. Memphis also did well by signing Lee.

Yeah tell me about it man. I'm not so sure the Bulls would send Gordon for Ariza in real life though lol. Seattle is going to be a tough team this year and David Lee will most certainly help Mayo and Gay.

[cavs4872]

I can't see Ben Gordon getting a lot of playing time when being a back-up for someone like Kobe (unless he plays point guard, which I couldn't see happening due to the Lakers already having three good point guards). I would like to see how his situation in L.A. works out.

[33_ALLDAY_33]

I can't see Ben Gordon getting a lot of playing time when being a back-up for someone like Kobe (unless he plays point guard, which I couldn't see happening due to the Lakers already having three good point guards). I would like to see how his situation in L.A. works out.

If you want, I can keep you guys updated on how this Ben Gordon trade fares. I honestly, can't see Gordon getting a lot of playing time either but I mean Gordon off the bench for Kobe is crazy, they obviously won't lose a shooter once kobe is out. But who knows lol.

[hova-]

Wow, sick trade. I guess Ariza does not have a proper rating (compared to his Playoff performances in real life). Still a nice trade for the Lakers to keep their offense flowing when Kobe is on the bench. Odom and Gordon on the 2nd unit. Oh my

Would be nice if you could keep us updated about BG.