Media day/Training camp/Preseason game notes

[Wizop]

It seems like his natural speed,.. his natural rhythm is fast even by NBA standards,.... but he's never had to use his skills at that natural speed to play effectively?

I wasn't exactly thinking his speed. I don't think he's used to how fast NBA defenders' hands are and needs to protect the ball much better. I see that as a learning issue, not a talent one.

[Pacers Forever]

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[Wizop]

They're making it pretty clear that they want another point guard on the roster and don't think they can get by with just the two-ways. My money is on Wiseman losing the center competition.

[Pacers Forever]

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More bad news

[Wizop]

TJ McConnell is going to be out at least a month, Rick Carlisle says.

[JMaster5K]

It seems like his natural speed,.. his natural rhythm is fast even by NBA standards,.... but he's never had to use his skills at that natural speed to play effectively?

I wasn't exactly thinking his speed. I don't think he's used to how fast NBA defenders' hands are and needs to protect the ball much better. I see that as a learning issue, not a talent one.

We are saying the same thing. That it isn’t talent. It’s just learning & experience. He actually has a good handle, he simply has never needed to keep it as tight as you have to, when playing in the NBA. Coaches will teach him the finer points. He will adjust to the playing speed on both ends by experiencing it.

[Pacers Forever]

No Siakam, no Nembhard, no Nesmith tonight and no OKC starters since the league is stupidly making them play 6 preseason to other teams 4.


I didn’t get to watch the game tonight but Quenton Jackson left with a sore hamstring and Furphy turned his ankle. The hits keep on coming. Neither returned to the game. Carlisle gave no update.

Talon Peter played well as our leading scorer with 18 points, 5 assists, and 5 rebounds. Obi and Quenton started out on fire both played well. Can Payne started playing 19 minutes going 0-4 and is out of shape. Hopefully will be better after next 2 preseason games are done. Benn Mathurin still up and down performance with 16 points and 6 assists. Walker racked up lots of stats but only shot 3-10 YUCK. Huff 5 fouls and 3-3 for 8 points.

Wiseman last to see the court again along with camp scrubs and Ray J. Bradley played before him but only 6 minutes for 3 rebounds and 2 points. I don’t get the limited minutes ? I understand the low production. Wiseman played 12 minutes with 5 rebounds and 10 points on 4-4 shooting. I also don’t get him not playing both games until the latter part. Maybe Carlisle is giving Bradley every opportunity to make a go case to remain as he knows what he’s got in Wiseman ? Head scratching currently without knowledge of the inside scoop.

I hope to go Monday night for the Spurs game but not sure if we will get tickets. OKC seat prices were jacked up and I imagine some Pacer fans were not happy paying premium prices tonight to see only 2 regular season starter from the 2 teams combined. (Mathurin and Isiah J) Spurs game tickets also a bit pricey in some sections. Cost of nearly winning the NBA championship, increased popularity, and OKC plus Wemby.

[Pacers Forever]

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[JMaster5K]

Indy Star followup:

https://eu.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2025/10/11/pacers-rookie-taelon-peter-scores-18-points-to-help-beat-thunder/86540081007/

[JMaster5K]

Furphy,.... LOL

https://www.facebook.com/reel/4026408114356701

Love Clark Kellogg doing commentary,....

[JMaster5K]

A small note on the pacers:

https://hoopswire.com/nba-notes-pacers-bennedict-mathurin-suns-mark-williams-timberwolves/

Pacers
The Pacers fell to the Spurs 124-108 on Monday, but Bennedict Mathurin stole the show. The third-year guard erupted for 31 points on 11-of-12 shooting, including a perfect 9-for-9 first half that reminded everyone why Indiana views him as a cornerstone scorer with Tyrese Haliburton out for the season, wrote Dustin Dopirak of the Indianapolis Star.

Pascal Siakam added 17 points, and Jarace Walker chipped in 12, but Indiana’s depth continues to be tested by injuries. With several key reserves sidelined, the Pacers’ second unit struggled to keep pace.

Cameron Payne, recently signed as backcourt insurance, finally got on the board with 10 points after going scoreless in his debut. Still, the Pacers’ bench was outscored heavily, and their reserve centers combined to shoot 0-for-10.

[Scoot McGroot]

We all know Mathurin can light up the scoreboard. But can he play reliable enough defense to stay on the court for Carlisle and earn himself a long term contract? He didn’t last night. Not yet.

He doesn’t have to be great defensively, but he has to be reliable enough to not need to be constantly covered for.

[Pacers Forever]

A small note on the pacers:

https://hoopswire.com/nba-notes-pacers-bennedict-mathurin-suns-mark-williams-timberwolves/

Pacers
The Pacers fell to the Spurs 124-108 on Monday, but Bennedict Mathurin stole the show. The third-year guard erupted for 31 points on 11-of-12 shooting, including a perfect 9-for-9 first half that reminded everyone why Indiana views him as a cornerstone scorer with Tyrese Haliburton out for the season, wrote Dustin Dopirak of the Indianapolis Star.

Pascal Siakam added 17 points, and Jarace Walker chipped in 12, but Indiana’s depth continues to be tested by injuries. With several key reserves sidelined, the Pacers’ second unit struggled to keep pace.

Cameron Payne, recently signed as backcourt insurance, finally got on the board with 10 points after going scoreless in his debut. Still, the Pacers’ bench was outscored heavily, and their reserve centers combined to shoot 0-for-10.

The 4 Starters I think are ready. Center position is very surprising that Isiah, Wiseman, and Huff are struggling. I didn’t expect much from Bradley.

As we all know the Pacers depth is weak due to injuries and now second unit poor play last night is more concerning. If the subs don’t get healthy and the other subs don’t start contributing the game outcomes will not be great. Unless Payne or another guard can run the second unit offense it could be ugly when the starters aren’t in.

The first game against OKC looks to be a tough start to the season.

[Wizop]

The first game against OKC looks to be a tough start to the season.

not a lot of teams are going to beat OKC so a loss isn't a big deal.

I expected a lot more from Huff. my fault, not his.

[Pacers Forever]

The first game against OKC looks to be a tough start to the season.

not a lot of teams are going to beat OKC so a loss isn't a big deal.

I expected a lot more from Huff. my fault, not his.

I also expected more from Huff. Maybe he is just a role player who spreads the floor and shoots 3’s. Hopefully what we are seeing in preseason play is less than players are capable of and they can do more when it counts.

[Scoot McGroot]

The first game against OKC looks to be a tough start to the season.

not a lot of teams are going to beat OKC so a loss isn't a big deal.

I expected a lot more from Huff. my fault, not his.

I also expected more from Huff. Maybe he is just a role player who spreads the floor and shoots 3’s. Hopefully what we are seeing in preseason play is less than players are capable of and they can do more when it counts.

Okc let him go for the “lesser of 2nds in a couple years”. They’re generally not in the business of giving away good players.

He was cheap for a reason? I think if he can be a 15 minute a night backup, that’s probably a win for what we paid for him? Problem is, Jackson has to prove he’s more than that role, too. And Bradley and Wiseman have to prove they can even be that backup role. Really need to find the starting center answer sometime.

[Wizop]

Caitlin is on with Duncan

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[Pacers Forever]

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Mild surprise but I’m sure they’ve got some idea who can run the second team.

[Wizop]

Payne waived so all four centers start the season with jobs.

[Pacers Forever]

Payne waived so all four centers start the season with jobs.

Maybe, as a couple of the media raised the question of if another point guard could be brought in still ? Someone mentioned Spencer Dinwiddie and he definitely could play point guard.

However until Quenton Jax gets back they could use Talon Peter. Probably about 3 more weeks until TJ gets back. Jarace can bring the ball up and is a good passer, but I’m not sure if he can run the point.

The biggest problem I see that was unexpected is no center of the 4 has been dominant let alone look good from the reports and box scores I’ve seen. Hard to figure out who or how many to cut and there’s probably no better options being waived. We know when Obi plays the 5 the team plays well but he is not the answer always. As much as I hate saying this I really thought Myles could be replaced easier than it so far appears. I really hope that Isiah can step up and make a difference.

I don’t know if Luke Kornett can run the floor good and fit into the Pacer’s movement offense scheme, but if so he was a missed opportunity as they could have signed him for $10.5 million roughly this summer. He has out rebounded the Pacers in both preseason games versus the Spurs plus he is an efficient scorer. We’ve seen his productivity when he was with the Celtics. The Pacers don’t necessarily need scoring from the 5 as much as rebounding and defense. Just hoping the 5 can not be a bigger concern than the second team depth is currently due to injuries.