| The Walsh Report Authored by Andrew Perna - May 28, 2006 - 9:02 pm
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Walsh was quoted in The Star as saying, “A team changes all the time…If you make two or three changes on a team, that’s a lot of change.”
Donnie understands the problems Indiana has had. For one, as much as people are tired of hearing it as an excuse, Ron Artest did have a very unexpectedly negative impact on the last two seasons. The Pacers also haven’t been healthy in a long time, which is something most NBA teams have to deal with every couple of years.
I think Walsh and Larry Bird plan on making a few ‘mid-major’ moves, but they will not sacrifice next season in order to rebuild. When asked about getting into next June’s lottery, Walsh told The Star, “I would never do that…You’re asking people to wait for five or six years, and I will not do that. And I don’t think we have to do that. I think that’s nonsense, I really do.”
They will probably make a trade or two, and look for an impact player in next month’s draft, but don’t expect an entirely new line-up next season. The rumors of Jermaine O’Neal being on the block have been dispelled, and Peja Stojakovic has expressed his desire to retire in Indiana, despite playing in a tumultuous half season this year.
Personally, I would like to see the Pacers go after Minnesota’s sixth overall draft pick that has reportedly been placed on the trading block. The pick could then be used on an immediate force, someone like Rudy Gay, Marcus Williams, or Brandon Roy.
Walsh seemed to confirm reports that Coach Rick Carlisle is safe. “I don’t think either one of us (including Bird) wants to do that,” he said Wednesday. He did also say that it’s still early in the off-season, but I think things would have to be a lot worse than they were in 2005-2006 for the Pacers to fire Bird’s buddy Carlisle.
With his contract expiring next season, Walsh also hinted that he’s content with the imprint he’s left on the Indiana Pacers and that Larry Bird is more than capable of stepping into his shoes.
While I agree with Walsh that this team doesn’t need a complete overhaul, something does need to be done. Another good draft and a few savvy trades could put the Pacers back in the hunt for the title once again. Walsh has changed this team significantly several times since 1989, and the Pacers have only missed the playoffs once since then – 1997.
Even if Pacer fans have lost hope when it comes to some of their favorite players, they should sleep soundly knowing that one of the league’s best front offices is working towards better times. |
