Mark Montieth: Pacers Q&A
Indianapolis Star sports reporter Mark Montieth answers your questions about the Pacers.
http://www.indystar.com/articles/8/025639-4458-116.html
January 31, 2005
Question: How is the Pacers' morale? I have seen various reports that Jermaine O'Neal is not talking to teammates and is down on the team and himself. Besides lacking intensity and aggression on the court, it appears the Pacers lack cohesion as well and aren't fighting for one another.
Is there a lot of finger-pointing going on? Despite early comments by O'Neal, has the team accepted mediocrity and conceded the season? Even with Stephen Jackson back, I don't see anyone taking charge and firing up the team! (Neil from Indianapolis)
Answer: Morale has been bad the last few games, but we'll have to see if this is only a temporary condition. You have to factor in all the injuries and illnesses that seem to have taken an emotional toll.
O'Neal's body language has been poor the last couple of home games (heading into Monday's game at Philadelphia), but I don't see finger-pointing and lack of concern for one another. I do, however, see lack of leadership on occasion. This is a laid-back team. Jackson, Reggie Miller and Scot Pollard are the most natural leaders. Most of the others tend to sit back and just try to do their jobs.
The mood was much brighter and more energetic at the shootaround Monday morning in Philly, so we'll see if that carries over.
Question: With Reggie Miller retiring it opens up about 5 to 6 million dollars to spend in the off-season. What players are in that price range that we could use or will we sign anybody?? PLEASE answer this question!!!? (Ryan from Shelbyville, Ind.)
Answer: Please answer THIS question: Why do you assume Reggie is retiring? You apparently saw the bogus TNT report, but did you read the article in The Star that shot it down and clarified the matter?
Miller might retire after this season. It's even probable. But he hasn't made an announcement or as far as anybody knows hasn't reached a decision. He jokes about it, but if you know him you don't take everything literally.
Beyond that, we all know that athletes have a difficult time pulling the trigger on retirement. He might think now that he wants to do it, but he might have a different opinion this summer if he's feeling OK and believes there's hope for a title next season.
If he does retire the loss of his $6 million salary next season won't put the Pacers below the salary cap. They would have the mid-level exception to sign a free agent, however, assuming the next Collective Bargaining Agreement permits it.
Question: Who makes the official decision on whether a player plays or not due to injury or sickness? (Tom from Seymour, Ind.)
Answer: The ultimate decision rests with the player, since it's his health. You can't force a guy to play if he says he's hurt, because there might be legal ramifications if he suffers a more serious injury as a result.
Sometimes a team's medical personnel will tell someone not to play against his wishes. This happened last week regarding Allen Iverson, and it's happening now with the Philadelphia Eagles and Terrell Owens.
Question: First off, wasn't the trade for Brad Miller a couple of years ago in a winning season? Just curious. I just read an article by Sam Smith of the Chicago Tribune that says the Pacers are in talks with the Hawks about a deal that would send Ron Artest and Scot Pollard to Atlanta for Antoine Walker. Is there any truth to this and would the salaries work out? (Andrew from Indianapolis)
Answer: No, the trade that brought Brad Miller (and Ron Artest, Ron Mercer and Kevin Ollie) came in February of 2002, when the Pacers were 26-27. They finished the season 42-40 after winning their last five games.
As for the trade rumor, hopefully you've seen the response I had to write after the Tribune story appeared. That rumor was a classic NBA trade rumor, full of holes, and an example of poor journalism. Almost as bad as Craig Sager's TNT report from the previous evening.
Here's how it evolved. On Monday of last week I got a call from Sekou Smith, who used to help cover the Pacers for The Star. He works in Atlanta now and covers the Hawks. He had heard the rumor regarding Walker, Artest and Pollard. A few people there had mentioned it to them, and they were credible.
It didn't make sense to me, but he and I checked it out the next day and it became obvious there was nothing to it. We both decided not to publish it, because that would only be yanking the chains of the fans with a bogus report.
Beyond that, it makes little sense for either team. Walker is a power forward, and wouldn't fit with the Pacers behind O'Neal. His style of play also probably wouldn't fit. He also would be difficult to sign in the off-season, so whoever you trade for him you're probably giving away. The Pacers aren't going to give Artest and Pollard away.
Atlanta is better served by keeping Walker and losing his salary after this season so they can pursue a free agent. If they trade him for players whose contracts don't expire, they limit their options. They hope to replace him with a great free agent.
Beyond all that, the salaries don't match, so it couldn't be done. It would be a good thing if other reporters checked out such things before trying to fool the public.
Question: Has the Pistons organization and fans been punished for their roles in the brawl? It seems to me David Stern quickly punished the Pacers organization and fans but didn't address the Pistons fans who were throwing the beer, chairs, etc., and the lack of security. (Jane from Indianapolis)
Answer: The NBA has not punished the Pistons or their fans. I doubt the league can do much regarding fans. That's a matter for the courts.
Question: Is reggie really retiring? (Mel from Durango, Colo.)
Answer: He gave the impression before the season began that he probably will. But he's made no such announcement and hasn't told anyone of such a decision. Not even Craig Sager.
Question: What's happened to Larry Bird? Donnie Walsh has been quoted and pictured in The Star recently in Pacers stories in situations where Bird probably should have been present. Is there a reason? (Tom from Greenwood, Ind.)
Answer: You obviously wrote this before Monday's Star was published. I quoted Bird extensively in that one. Bird has been scouting in Europe. It's true that I've quoted Walsh more frequently in recent articles, but that's been a matter of access and convenience.
Question: The Pacers are next to last in their division and haven't proved to have much of a better record with Jermaine O'Neal back and I don't see Stephen Jackson contributing much more either. So taking all that into account with teams in the Southeast with better records then the Central, should we be worrying about making the playoffs instead of winning a championship? (Steve from Noblesville, Ind.)
Answer: At this point, yes. They're the ninth seed (after losing to Philadelphia) and going backward rather than forward. It makes no sense to talk about a championship now.
Question: As a longtime Pacers fan, it doesn't make any sense to me that the Pacers are dead last in the league in rebounding. Jeff Foster is an excellent rebounder as is Jermaine O'Neal. What do you see as the problem and how are the Pacers trying to address it?
Have the early-season injuries and suspensions just led to a slow start, is there a problem with the Pacers' defensive scheme, or is it simply a lack of effort? It appears to me that the Pacers in general are not showing much desire on the court. (Neil from Indianapolis)
Answer: It's true that effort has been an issue in recent games. All the injuries and illnesses have had an impact, but that excuse can't be used forever. O'Neal has been in a funk recently, particularly when it comes to rebounding, but he's also had the flu.
Rebounding is a fairly complex issue, though. The Pacers' offensive style, in which players stand and watch O'Neal go one-on-one much of the time, doesn't leave players in position for offensive rebounds. And if their guards get beat on defense the big men have to give help, which often takes them out of rebounding position if a shot is missed. As the coaches always say, rebounding has to be a team concern.
Question: Is Reggie Miller going to participate in the 3-point contest at the All-Star break? (Michele from Denver, Colo.)
Answer: No. I don't know if he was asked, but even if he was I doubt he would want to participate. He likes to have that week off.
Question: Why all the DNP (coach's decision) for Austin Croshere lately? (Scott from Auburn, Ind.)
Answer: Croshere missed two games with a bad case of the flu and hasn't been at full strength. Lately, when Jonathan Bender has been available, they have used him, which usually doesn't leave time for Croshere to play.
Indianapolis Star sports reporter Mark Montieth answers your questions about the Pacers.
http://www.indystar.com/articles/8/025639-4458-116.html
January 31, 2005
Question: How is the Pacers' morale? I have seen various reports that Jermaine O'Neal is not talking to teammates and is down on the team and himself. Besides lacking intensity and aggression on the court, it appears the Pacers lack cohesion as well and aren't fighting for one another.
Is there a lot of finger-pointing going on? Despite early comments by O'Neal, has the team accepted mediocrity and conceded the season? Even with Stephen Jackson back, I don't see anyone taking charge and firing up the team! (Neil from Indianapolis)
Answer: Morale has been bad the last few games, but we'll have to see if this is only a temporary condition. You have to factor in all the injuries and illnesses that seem to have taken an emotional toll.
O'Neal's body language has been poor the last couple of home games (heading into Monday's game at Philadelphia), but I don't see finger-pointing and lack of concern for one another. I do, however, see lack of leadership on occasion. This is a laid-back team. Jackson, Reggie Miller and Scot Pollard are the most natural leaders. Most of the others tend to sit back and just try to do their jobs.
The mood was much brighter and more energetic at the shootaround Monday morning in Philly, so we'll see if that carries over.
Question: With Reggie Miller retiring it opens up about 5 to 6 million dollars to spend in the off-season. What players are in that price range that we could use or will we sign anybody?? PLEASE answer this question!!!? (Ryan from Shelbyville, Ind.)
Answer: Please answer THIS question: Why do you assume Reggie is retiring? You apparently saw the bogus TNT report, but did you read the article in The Star that shot it down and clarified the matter?
Miller might retire after this season. It's even probable. But he hasn't made an announcement or as far as anybody knows hasn't reached a decision. He jokes about it, but if you know him you don't take everything literally.
Beyond that, we all know that athletes have a difficult time pulling the trigger on retirement. He might think now that he wants to do it, but he might have a different opinion this summer if he's feeling OK and believes there's hope for a title next season.
If he does retire the loss of his $6 million salary next season won't put the Pacers below the salary cap. They would have the mid-level exception to sign a free agent, however, assuming the next Collective Bargaining Agreement permits it.
Question: Who makes the official decision on whether a player plays or not due to injury or sickness? (Tom from Seymour, Ind.)
Answer: The ultimate decision rests with the player, since it's his health. You can't force a guy to play if he says he's hurt, because there might be legal ramifications if he suffers a more serious injury as a result.
Sometimes a team's medical personnel will tell someone not to play against his wishes. This happened last week regarding Allen Iverson, and it's happening now with the Philadelphia Eagles and Terrell Owens.
Question: First off, wasn't the trade for Brad Miller a couple of years ago in a winning season? Just curious. I just read an article by Sam Smith of the Chicago Tribune that says the Pacers are in talks with the Hawks about a deal that would send Ron Artest and Scot Pollard to Atlanta for Antoine Walker. Is there any truth to this and would the salaries work out? (Andrew from Indianapolis)
Answer: No, the trade that brought Brad Miller (and Ron Artest, Ron Mercer and Kevin Ollie) came in February of 2002, when the Pacers were 26-27. They finished the season 42-40 after winning their last five games.
As for the trade rumor, hopefully you've seen the response I had to write after the Tribune story appeared. That rumor was a classic NBA trade rumor, full of holes, and an example of poor journalism. Almost as bad as Craig Sager's TNT report from the previous evening.
Here's how it evolved. On Monday of last week I got a call from Sekou Smith, who used to help cover the Pacers for The Star. He works in Atlanta now and covers the Hawks. He had heard the rumor regarding Walker, Artest and Pollard. A few people there had mentioned it to them, and they were credible.
It didn't make sense to me, but he and I checked it out the next day and it became obvious there was nothing to it. We both decided not to publish it, because that would only be yanking the chains of the fans with a bogus report.
Beyond that, it makes little sense for either team. Walker is a power forward, and wouldn't fit with the Pacers behind O'Neal. His style of play also probably wouldn't fit. He also would be difficult to sign in the off-season, so whoever you trade for him you're probably giving away. The Pacers aren't going to give Artest and Pollard away.
Atlanta is better served by keeping Walker and losing his salary after this season so they can pursue a free agent. If they trade him for players whose contracts don't expire, they limit their options. They hope to replace him with a great free agent.
Beyond all that, the salaries don't match, so it couldn't be done. It would be a good thing if other reporters checked out such things before trying to fool the public.
Question: Has the Pistons organization and fans been punished for their roles in the brawl? It seems to me David Stern quickly punished the Pacers organization and fans but didn't address the Pistons fans who were throwing the beer, chairs, etc., and the lack of security. (Jane from Indianapolis)
Answer: The NBA has not punished the Pistons or their fans. I doubt the league can do much regarding fans. That's a matter for the courts.
Question: Is reggie really retiring? (Mel from Durango, Colo.)
Answer: He gave the impression before the season began that he probably will. But he's made no such announcement and hasn't told anyone of such a decision. Not even Craig Sager.
Question: What's happened to Larry Bird? Donnie Walsh has been quoted and pictured in The Star recently in Pacers stories in situations where Bird probably should have been present. Is there a reason? (Tom from Greenwood, Ind.)
Answer: You obviously wrote this before Monday's Star was published. I quoted Bird extensively in that one. Bird has been scouting in Europe. It's true that I've quoted Walsh more frequently in recent articles, but that's been a matter of access and convenience.
Question: The Pacers are next to last in their division and haven't proved to have much of a better record with Jermaine O'Neal back and I don't see Stephen Jackson contributing much more either. So taking all that into account with teams in the Southeast with better records then the Central, should we be worrying about making the playoffs instead of winning a championship? (Steve from Noblesville, Ind.)
Answer: At this point, yes. They're the ninth seed (after losing to Philadelphia) and going backward rather than forward. It makes no sense to talk about a championship now.
Question: As a longtime Pacers fan, it doesn't make any sense to me that the Pacers are dead last in the league in rebounding. Jeff Foster is an excellent rebounder as is Jermaine O'Neal. What do you see as the problem and how are the Pacers trying to address it?
Have the early-season injuries and suspensions just led to a slow start, is there a problem with the Pacers' defensive scheme, or is it simply a lack of effort? It appears to me that the Pacers in general are not showing much desire on the court. (Neil from Indianapolis)
Answer: It's true that effort has been an issue in recent games. All the injuries and illnesses have had an impact, but that excuse can't be used forever. O'Neal has been in a funk recently, particularly when it comes to rebounding, but he's also had the flu.
Rebounding is a fairly complex issue, though. The Pacers' offensive style, in which players stand and watch O'Neal go one-on-one much of the time, doesn't leave players in position for offensive rebounds. And if their guards get beat on defense the big men have to give help, which often takes them out of rebounding position if a shot is missed. As the coaches always say, rebounding has to be a team concern.
Question: Is Reggie Miller going to participate in the 3-point contest at the All-Star break? (Michele from Denver, Colo.)
Answer: No. I don't know if he was asked, but even if he was I doubt he would want to participate. He likes to have that week off.
Question: Why all the DNP (coach's decision) for Austin Croshere lately? (Scott from Auburn, Ind.)
Answer: Croshere missed two games with a bad case of the flu and hasn't been at full strength. Lately, when Jonathan Bender has been available, they have used him, which usually doesn't leave time for Croshere to play.
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