jeff d.

Third year in a row to miss playoffs. fifth highest scoring team this year.
The franchise appears to have turned a corner on fan support and they didn't
roll over down the stretch. With Dunleavy only playing 18 games the offense
was impressive. Too many close games went the wrong way early in the season
and the late 5 game losing streak were killers. To get back in the post
season they'll need another 8-10 wins next year and they will have to make a
drastic defensive improvement, most likely via player movement. All things
considered I thought they could win somewhere in the mid 40's but injuries
to Dunleavy and Daniels hurt, still a very entertaining team and I can only
think of 2 blowouts, for the most part we were in every game to the last
minute.

skippypb

The comeback against the Bucks last night showed how much this team
cares. Last game of the season, down 11, they could have packed it in
but they didn't. And seeing Danny Granger high-five all those folks
in the first two rows opposite the benches says it all.

The team ended up with the same record this year as last yet the
feeling is a lot different. Danny even said as much in the post game
interview. Next season should be better. Dunleavy is already
rehabing. The question will be can he stay healthy.

Players that could be gone by next season:

Travis Diener - has a player option on the final year of his contract
this offseason. He stands to make $1.7 million if he sticks around,
but he'll become an unrestricted free agent if he doesn't.

Jarrett Jack - he's a restricted free agent and if anyone offers him
anything, Pacers have the right to match it and keep him. Word is
Larry Bird wants to sign him to a long term deal. But who knows?

Jeff Foster - would be on this list but he signed a contract for 2(?)
years during the season.

Marquis Daniels - will be an unrestricted free agent. Should the
Pacers take a chance on his health and sign him? He might be cheap
but risky.

Rasho Nesterovic - will also be an unrestricted free agent. He did a
nice job all season backing up Foster and Hibbert. As Hibbert
progresses and learns to stay out of foul trouble, keeping Rasho may
not be necessary. If they can sign him for 1 year, they should try.

Hibbert and Rush really progressed well as the season went along. I
think both are very "professional" and will do what it takes in the
off season to improve even more. MacRoberts, once given the chance,
showed that he's a player that deserves more playing time.

So really the two biggest questions for the off season are:

Can they trade Tinsley and his $11 million contract?
Who do they draft?

Now I can go watch the Pistons get swept in the first round by the
Cavs (who I am really learning to hate!).

Regards,
////
(o o)
-oOO--(_)--OOo-

"He may look like an idiot and talk like an idiot but
don't let that fool you. He really is an idiot."
-- Groucho Marx
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Steve