Well, here we are. The official beginning of the '24-'25 season. It feels like time has flown by faster than a Rick Carlisle offense. Who cares that I'm a year closer to the grave? What's important is that the Blue & Gold get another opportunity to chase the white whale of an NBA Championship – and I get to feel like I'm a part of it from the comfort of my couch.
Last week the Pacers put the finishing touches on the roster. They waived Kendall Brown and Cole Swider, opting to take an empty roster spot into the season. Currently the team sits about $2.5 million below the Luxury Tax, so while they may use the spot eventually if injuries strike or a deal is simply too good to pass up, it makes sense that they are trying to avoid the punitive tax.
So, the offseason in full:
— Tony East (@TonyREast) October 21, 2024
-Kendall Brown out, Johnny Furphy in
-Jalen Smith out, James Wiseman in
-Doug McDermott out, spot unfilled
-Oscar Tshiebwe out, Enrique Freeman in
-Isaiah Wong out, Tristen Newton in
All other spots the same, plus extensions for Nembhard and McConnell. https://t.co/W1BpMKbUVF
All in all, the team only really made changes around the margins this offseason. Whether they can take the leap from Eastern Conference Finals to NBA Mount Olympus will depend on internal development.
6 pm has passed with no rookie scale extension for Pacers center Isaiah Jackson. He’ll hit free agency next summer and could be a restricted free agent if he’s submitted a $6.4m qualifying offer.
— Tony East (@TonyREast) October 21, 2024
They also did not come to an extension agreement with Isaiah Jackson. That is not totally surprising since he's never really carved out a role for himself in the rotation. Hopefully his upcoming free agency will spurn him onto playing the best basketball of his career. Though, that campaign may not start tonight, as he's listed as questionable with a groin strain.
Jackson is officially listed as questionable with a right groin strain. https://t.co/pnxlCIilux
— Tony East (@TonyREast) October 22, 2024
Prediction Competition
Don't forget to get your predictions in while you still can. This is your opportunity to prove you're smarter than a bunch of strangers on the internet... Which is basically the most any of us can ask for out of life, right?

How to Watch
FanDuel Sports Network (formerly Bally Sports Indiana) will televise 76 regular season games this season.
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) October 21, 2024
Fans can watch games on FanDuel Sports Network on TV or through the app and all games will air on the Elevance Health Radio Network.
More info: https://t.co/7GH9HoEZ6z pic.twitter.com/ZX4GOJ9CbC
Tipoff is at 7:00 PM ET.
TV: FanDuel Sports Network, NBA League Pass
Radio: 93.5/107.5 The Fan
See ya in the comments!
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