Bruno's Mailbag >QOD Are Reports of Turmoil Accurate?

[TheSauceMaster]

http://www.nba.com/pacers/news/question_041008.html

Q. I've been reading on a few websites (NBA.com, ESPN.com) that the Pacers are "a team in turmoil." Is this true? (Ron) Artest has always been a volcano waiting to erupt, and Stephen Jackson's history isn't exactly flawless. Do you think they'll be stable enough to contend for the title? (From Zach in Chicago)

A. There have been no signs of anything remotely resembling turmoil. Quite the contrary, in fact. Virtually every veteran player has come back in superb shape. Most reported at least a week early. The younger players and rookies have been in town even longer for informal workouts and scrimmages. No one's unhappy with his role, no one wants to be traded, no one is holding out over a contract dispute and no one is injured. Thus far, this has been one of the most upbeat training camps I can remember.

The world seems to be waiting for Artest to erupt, but the world was largely disappointed last year. His one flareup in the conference finals was unfortunate, but it wasn't exactly a meltdown. He made great strides in terms of controlling his emotions last season and should only continue to improve in that area. It's no secret Jackson wasn't happy in Atlanta last season, but it was because he was frustrated by the losing environment. He has said and done all the right things since joining the Pacers, but everyone is aware he is a player who has tended to wear his emotions on his sleeve. And that's not always a bad thing. Most teams would rather have a few players who care too much about winning than the alternative.

Suprised no one had posted this , wait no I am not ..it would be another refute that things maybe not as bad as some would like to paint thing

[SoupIsGood]

Re: Bruno's Mailbag >QOD Are Reports of Turmoil Accurate?

Yeah the NBA.com preview of the team slaughtered us on this topic. Our turmoil concerns are about the same as any other team in the league, it's not a big deal, IMO.

[MZahm]

Re: Bruno's Mailbag >QOD Are Reports of Turmoil Accurate?

There's not all that much else they can write is there? That's probably the most interesting "angle" they can come up with. Almost all of our players are entering or in their primes and there aren't any real hot stories. Bender doesn't really count coz he's been so quiet for so long. The ticking time bomb thing is probably their best hook.

[fwpacerfan]

Re: Bruno's Mailbag >QOD Are Reports of Turmoil Accurate?

Wait a minute all I've heard this summer on this board is about the 'turmoil' on the Pacers team and now we find out there isn't any? Where's Peck, Jay and the gang? I'm SURE that this is just a cover up article - this team HAS to be in trouble because people on this board said so and who are you going to believe Brunner or the posters on this board?

[Jay@Section12]

Re: Bruno's Mailbag >QOD Are Reports of Turmoil Accurate?

Allright, since you're calling me out, and I've finally had a chance to read this one...

I've said over and over that I wasn't convinced the chemistry was great last season. You're all tired of me beating on that poor, poor horse.

As for right now, who knows? The chemistry may be better than last season (removing Al?) or worse (adding SJax and Harrison to an already potentially explosive situation.)

A couple thoughts...

A. What's Bruno supposed to write, as the "official" mouthpiece? That NBA.com and the other articles are correct, and that the real problem with the Pacers is that X player and Y player hate each other?

B. We're less than one-week into training camp. We haven't played a single exhibition game. They *better* still all be lovey-dovey, or its gonna be a really long winter. Perhaps Bruno was just truthfully reporting the mood last Friday, or whatever.

C. I'm not directly blaming Al for anything, but last year's team had a guy that lost his starting spot, while hurt, to a guy who in turn led the league in suspensions. And the team's best player and leader was always talking about how Al was one of "his guys." That can't possibly be good for chemistry.

D. Jackson is saying the right things. And unless Harrison goes "Carlos Rodgers" on us, he can't screw things up too bad as the backup or third string center.

Most importantly, perpaps, is E. Bird is demanding that Ron continues to step up as a leader. Now its no longer "acceptable" for Ron to be a disruption, and its no longer acceptable for Ron to just be "a great player who's no longer a disruption". Smart move by Bird - he either gets what he wants in the first place - leadership from Ron that demonstrates his commitment to the coach, his teammates, the team; or he's created an objective basis for the general fans, and in particular the big Ron Artest fans, to justify a trade in the future if Ron doesn't (note, I didn't say, "can't") stick with the plan. I know, I'm the resident skeptic, but I'm certaily willing to sit back, watch, and hope it all works out for the Pacers.[/b]
[edit=72=1097525988]clarifying...[/edit]

[TheSauceMaster]

Re: Bruno's Mailbag >QOD Are Reports of Turmoil Accurate?

Now , Now Jay ..easy there , dunno if you was talking to me or not

I was just curious why this wasn't posted usually most every QOD is posted by someone here and this one slipped through the cracks , just thought it was curious

I think it's just funny Kravitz paints a picture and everyone is ready to sell Ron down the River even these so called people who had all this inside info where most certain Ron was going to be traded all summer.

Now you have people turning tail and running , atleast Jay your sticking to your guns , I respect that ..your not a flip flopper like some

Maybe it's damage control by the Pacers , maybe it's not as bad as people are thinking , maybe Bird and Donnie are willing to risk 1 more year to see if Ron can pull it together ? I dunno what the real answer is but I am glad Ron is still on the team , Ron is going to be the Only person that can hurt himself.

What happens to Ron this year is Ron's fault , I do believe there going to be alittle stricter on him this year than last and if anything I am sure he maybe on some kinda secret probabtion , you mess up your gone thing ..but who knows

[Jay@Section12]

Re: Bruno's Mailbag >QOD Are Reports of Turmoil Accurate?

Now , Now Jay ..easy there , dunno if you was talking to me or not

No, I was just responding to FW's comment:

Wait a minute all I've heard this summer on this board is about the 'turmoil' on the Pacers team and now we find out there isn't any? Where's Peck, Jay and the gang? I'm SURE that this is just a cover up article - this team HAS to be in trouble because people on this board said so and who are you going to believe Brunner or the posters on this board?

Although, if you've got FW on *ignore* because of that heinous avatar, well who can blame you?

[imawhat]

Re: Bruno's Mailbag >QOD Are Reports of Turmoil Accurate?

bump.


Wow.

[rexnom]

Re: Bruno's Mailbag >QOD Are Reports of Turmoil Accurate?

Jesus. Please, let's keep this buried where it belongs.

[TheSauceMaster]

Re: Bruno's Mailbag >QOD Are Reports of Turmoil Accurate?

Jesus. Please, let's keep this buried where it belongs.

For a Minute I thought someone hacked my account. It's been a while since I started a post. No clue why someone bumped a 4 year old post.

[Kstat]

Re: Bruno's Mailbag >QOD Are Reports of Turmoil Accurate?

I miss Jay.

[Peck]

Re: Bruno's Mailbag >QOD Are Reports of Turmoil Accurate?

Shining example of why one should always take Conrad Brunners articles with a grain of salt.

He is a P.R. guy, not a journalist. He used to be a journalist but now he is employed by the Indiana Pacers to spread the gospel.

This P.R. piece was written one month and 11 days before the team that just had the most upbeat training camp that he could remember was involved in what became the darkest chapter in our franchises history.

I realize that people like Conrad make Will Galen happy but IMO they do not help the cause at all. If people could have known about the fights between O'Neal and Artest or at least some of the crazy stuff that was going on behind the scenes, maybe just maybe we would not have had the legion of Artest worshipers who would not let go until Ron demanded that they let go.

I realize though, that is not going to come from Brunner nor should it. I understand his responsibility quite well and think he does a good job.

But while I don't always enjoy Mike Wells writing style, I thank God every single day that we have actual reporters covering the Pacers and not fans.

Yes, I know most of you disagree with me on this and that's cool. But I just honestly believe that the more light we can shine on things the less shadows there are for some to hide in.

[rexnom]

Re: Bruno's Mailbag >QOD Are Reports of Turmoil Accurate?

Shining example of why one should always take Conrad Brunners articles with a grain of salt.

He is a P.R. guy, not a journalist. He used to be a journalist but now he is employed by the Indiana Pacers to spread the gospel.

This P.R. piece was written one month and 11 days before the team that just had the most upbeat training camp that he could remember was involved in what became the darkest chapter in our franchises history.

I realize that people like Conrad make Will Galen happy but IMO they do not help the cause at all. If people could have known about the fights between O'Neal and Artest or at least some of the crazy stuff that was going on behind the scenes, maybe just maybe we would not have had the legion of Artest worshipers who would not let go until Ron demanded that they let go.

I realize though, that is not going to come from Brunner nor should it. I understand his responsibility quite well and think he does a good job.

But while I don't always enjoy Mike Wells writing style, I thank God every single day that we have actual reporters covering the Pacers and not fans.

Yes, I know most of you disagree with me on this and that's cool. But I just honestly believe that the more light we can shine on things the less shadows there are for some to hide in.

I think Mike Wells is overly provocative and intentionally misleading, but in general, I agree with your sentiment.

[Slick Pinkham]

Re: Bruno's Mailbag >QOD Are Reports of Turmoil Accurate?

I just love this quote. It may be the most stupid statement ever written dealing with the Pacers:

He (Ron Artest) made great strides in terms of controlling his emotions last season and should only continue to improve in that area.

wow...

If the franchise were not still bleeding all these years later, it would be funny.

[duke dynamite]

Re: Bruno's Mailbag >QOD Are Reports of Turmoil Accurate?

Wow, this thread is cursed. LOL