According to The Associated Press, city officials in Indianapolis are signing off on a deal nearing $300MM in public subsidies in order to fund the renovation of the Pacers’ downtown arena, Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
Council members reportedly voted in favor of the deal unanimously, with the Pacers promising to stay at Bankers Life for 25 more years in consideration of the public money. The project includes building a year-round outdoor plaza next to the arena and interior updates.
The funding/renovation plan includes $270MM from the state and local income and sales taxes generated by several nearby hotels, with the city of Indianapolis committing $25MM to the project and the Pacers contributing $65MM.
There’s more news out of the Central Division this evening:
- Marc Stein of The New York Times is reporting that the Bucks are adding veteran assistant coach Chad Forcier to Mike Budenholzer‘s coaching staff. Forcier worked with Budenholzer in San Antonio under Spurs’ head coach Gregg Popovich.
- Big man Christian Wood, recently claimed by the Pistons after being waived by New Orleans, has become the front-runner to take the 15th roster spot in Detroit, tweets Keith Langlois of Pistons.com.
- Per Scott Agness of The Athletic (Twitter link), the Pacers’ reported one-year deal with center Amida Brimah has a partial guarantee. Agness refers to Brimah as a “potential two-way guy,” which suggests that his guarantee doesn’t exceed $50K.
Boy now Woods and Thon can really show the Bucks what they can do with possible regular playing time
The 15th roster spot on the Pistons is highly unlikely to receive regular playing time. For that matter, Thon is unlikely to get it either playing behind Drummond.
Well, Drummond has only averaged 30mpg throughout his career, so there will definitely be some quality minutes for Thon to make his mark…lol
Really, besides Andre Drummomd & Blake Griffin, their only other capable 4&5’s are Thon, Zaza, Markieff Morris, and Christian Wood…So, it’s a really good possibility that we see Thon for roughly a consistent 16-20mpg..
I actually think this could be a relative breakout season for Maker. He certainly has all the talent and ability, and it’s looking like he’ll finally get some real playing time to show how he’s been able to develop.
Regardless though, I definitely wish Thon Maker the best of luck this year..
I guess I misunderstood the definition for regular playing time. I was thinking more along the lines of starter minutes. Sure Maker will get 15-20 mpg regularly, but I doubt he will get more than that. And I don’t think that is enough time for him to really prove anything.
Zaza isn’t on the pistons anymore
I think Thon will be at minimum a serviceable NBA player for the next 7-10 years. He’s smart, hard working and fits the mood of what an NBA team is looking for in a big (blocks shots and shoots 3’s). If he can bulk up some and improve his rebounding he’ll be a starter somewhere.
Maker’s a tease. Prob Wood too, and Markief is winding down. Rookie Dem-boo-ya is not ready. Suddenly the Pistons are deeper at guard. Maker is older than listed.
There is no rule proof that Thon is older then he is listed. Those were all just pre draft rumors
Why are taxpayers footing the bill for a $300M renovation on a building that’s barely 20 years old?
Because modern sports, yay.
Because the NBA ©@Г€$.