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Indiana Pacers Once again, Pacers look to youngsters to step up
Updated: Tuesday October 09, 2001 2:50 PM
By Marty Burns, CNNSI.com One year after making the Finals, the Pacers suffered a blow-out of sorts in 2000-01. Several players who were expected to step up -- like Austin Croshere and Jonathan Bender -- failed to do so. Meanwhile, rookie coach Isiah Thomas spent much of the season shuffling lineups to little avail. The Pacers still managed to make the playoffs, a tribute to Reggie Miller's leadership and Jermaine O'Neal's blossoming talent. They have reason to think they can do so again this season. Though luxury tax fears prevented them from making any key acquisitions, management thinks the core of the team is good enough.
Once more the big question entering training camp will be whether youngsters Bender and Al Harrington can play. If so, Jalen Rose can play more at his preferred position of point guard alongside Miller, giving Indiana a bigger, more athletic perimeter. If not, the Pacers have to go with Travis Best at the point in a more traditional alignment. The Pacers also will be eager to see if Jeff Foster or Primoz Brezec can successfully man the middle. If either can hold down the pivot, O'Neal can slide over to his more natural position of power forward. If not, Croshere will have to play power forward, thereby weakening the bench and leaving O'Neal to get worn down. Standout Stat: 3,181 Minutes played by Reggie Miller last season, the most he's seen in the past 12 years.
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