Following a Thursday loss in the East’s final 2021 play-in game, the Pacers‘ season is over, raising questions about the future of head coach Nate Bjorkgren. Although he was just hired last fall, Bjorkgren is said to be very much on the hot seat after a tumultuous, disappointing season in Indiana. For his part, the first-year coach was evasive on Thursday when asked whether he expects to be back.
“My focus is on the players right now,” Bjorkgren said, per J. Michael of The Indianapolis Star (Twitter link). “I’m not thinking about myself. I’m really not. I just want to do what’s best for these guys.”
It’s decision time for the Pacers, according to Scott Agness of Fieldhouse Files, who advises not to be surprised if the club takes a little time to make a call on Bjorkgren’s status, one way or the other.
Bob Kravitz of The Athletic suggests that Bjorkgren probably took a banged-up Pacers team about as far could be realistically expected, but if he’s to return for the 2021/22, there must be changes — “both with Bjorkgren himself and with his coaching staff,” Kravitz writes.
As we wait on the Pacers’ decision, let’s round up a few more notes out of Indiana…
- While it’s possible that Bjorkgren was the problem for the Pacers, Gregg Doyel of The Indianapolis Star isn’t entirely convinced of that, and writes an offseason roster shakeup might not be the worst idea for the organization.
- Most of the Pacers’ key rotation players are under contract for next season, but Doug McDermott is one important contributor who will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. McDermott addressed his situation after Thursday’s game, as J. Michael of The Indianapolis Star relays (via Twitter): “I want to be a Pacer. It’s been a great three years. It’s been a great place to call home. I hope I can continue that.”
- Although Myles Turner‘s toe injury didn’t heal in time for him to rejoin the Pacers before they were eliminated from postseason contention, he’s hoping to be healthy enough to compete for a spot on Team USA’s Olympic roster this summer, he tells Sean Deveney of Forbes.
- As we outlined earlier today, the Pacers are now in line for the 13th pick in the 2021 draft, as long as their position isn’t affected by the lottery results. Nat Newell of The Indianapolis Star, noting that Indiana’s two most recent lottery picks were Turner and Paul George, examines the recent history of the No. 13 pick to get an idea of what sort of player the team could realistically land.
Another thing they need to figure out is which team Amida Brimah is on. According to Marv last night, he was on both teams and hit a 3 for each team.
Lol I noticed he was off a bit the other night too….he kept confusing Nesmith for Smart (granted I know Nesmith is #26 and Smart #36) but it was clear to see it wasn’t Smart shooting
Gone… done deal already
Clearly this Bjorkgren guy needs to go.
The guy has a superiority complex owing to the many reports on his arrogant behavior towards team personnel, assistant coaches (heck hoops-lifer Bayno resigned out of the blue), equipment people.
Next time, teams should be wary of hiring anyone from the Nick Nurse coaching tree ……. I’ve always pegged Nurse as a very good coach, but the guy’s annoying as hell on the sidelines and full of himself (the guy actually wrote and released a book, just 2 years into his NBA coaching career).
How you can blame NN for Indy’s poor season is simply amazing. Maybe the roster is just not good. Maybe the fact one of your leading scorer was a Raptor reject at training camp is a strong signal. Or then again, let’s blame NN for cutting that guy and letting Indy pick him up.
I did not blame Nick Nurse, @Joe Golfer ……. You’re probably 12-years old. Do comprehend better next time.
Even if the PACERS did make the playoffs, I, like many others would still want Bjorkgren out due to “attitude / non-basketball” reasons.
One simply, moreso a rookie head coach, does not treat co-workers that way.
As for Nick Nurse, like I said, he’s a very good coach, but he bugs me somehow (and the whole of Boston, too). Nick Nurse whines, complains about every call and every non-call and with all of his heart and being, believes that Kyle Lowry does not flop.
Amazing how one can whine about coaches that whine and then label others as 12 yr old if you can’t comprehend. It’s too funny.
To be fair, he didn’t blame NN for the outcome of the pacers season. You took it that way.
McDermott is a better shooter than Bertans
FG
McDermott 53%, 38.6%
Bertans 40%, 39.5%
McDermott market value 3 years 24 million with team option
McDermott had his best year offensively at 29 but slipped defensively… I wonder if that was intentional, like he just thought *F–k it I’m bringing back Dougie McBuckets*!
I have not followed him like some, but he looked more like an overall baller this year… more like his 3/$22 contract than at first.
Now… a raise from that? He should stay… minimal competition at forward… so far.
He also seemed to diversify himself beyond a 3P specialist offensively. Added some nice cutting to his game. I think he could get an offer or two in the $10m per range. Dallas could use him
Two things that don’t last too long. Dogs that chase cars and GMs that sign LT deals for one season shooting wonders like McDermott/Bertans.
It’s unfortunately too early to tell with Indy. Maybe a coaching change is in order, idk, but the roster was never fully healthy this year.
Warren, Lavert, Brogdon, Sabonis, Turner — that’s the core ostensibly. It’s not a contender but if they play well together they coups bundle 2-3 of those guys for a legit star. .
I think its tough for a team like Indy to want to shoot for a legit star seeing whats happened in other small markets (NO- AD OKC – KD RW JH) and even themselves PG
More than likely they are happy taking the quality Lavert 16~18 per players than a Max guy Imo
Now I do believe the mix is off….while the possibility of Turner/Sabonis mixing together was worth the look, I think it was a failed project in the end. I think they trade Turner for more value this year and try a small Sabonis small ball style of play. A stretch 4 like Kuzma or someone of his ilk would fit well.
Seems Indy has a beautifully smooth paved road it just leads out to a desert town with only 1 Walmart and an Arby’s …They have the talent and are in the right conference to pull this all off in a years time tho, should be interesting org to follow this offseason
Turner finally gets dealt this offseason –
Im hoping Cha
That would be welcomed. Miles roaming to the rim and finishing off of passes from Lamelo. Plus Turner can knock down jumpers, and yes threes. He’s not boring like Gobert and he can make foul shots as well. Also the hornets would be a team to be taken seriously. Once chemistry is built they could be a dangerous team provided all parties are healthy.
They would be fun No doubt….those Melo Turner lobs would be tough to defend as Melo has a great floater and size to finish as well if they sag on Myles
Ive been intrigued by Myles for awhile but damn those reb numbers are Not that great…Think he’s got an extra gear on offence tho and Cha would be a great spot to find it. Would be nice getting a hometown discount on Zeller to be a b/u, Cha has already treated him well previously with money
Miles Turner needs a new change of scenery. He will likely stay quiet as these new day players lack nerve…