Pacers turn disaster into ideal scenario better than any NBA franchise

Zach Kram of ESPN ranked the Indiana Pacers' hiring of Nate Bjorkgren as head coach in 2020 as their biggest mistake since 2020, placing it as the 29th-worst mistake league-wide. The Pacers fired Bjorkgren after only one season.

Despite this mistake, Kram notes it ultimately worked out well for the Pacers because they hired Rick Carlisle a year later, who has been crucial to the team's recent success. This exemplifies the Pacers' ability to turn disasters into ideal scenarios.

Another example cited is the 2023 signing of Bruce Brown to a two-year, $45 million contract. While Brown didn't meet expectations, the Pacers used him in a trade to acquire Pascal Siakam from the Toronto Raptors, again turning a situation positive.

The Pacers now potentially face another disastrous situation: star guard Tyrese Haliburton suffered an Achilles injury in the NBA Finals Game 7 that will sideline him for the entire next season, and long-time center Myles Turner signed with the Milwaukee Bucks. Consequently, another deep playoff run seems unlikely next season, and the team must address their center position and navigate without Haliburton, whose return to form may take time.

Despite this bleak outlook, there are positives: the Pacers have an opportunity to showcase younger players and evaluate long-term contributors. They still possess a young, talented roster with upside, and playing in a wide-open Eastern Conference gives them a chance to surprise.

Overall, the Pacers have a history of recent success built on turning negative situations into positives and aim to continue this trend, demonstrating their ability to make the most out of any circumstance.