Pacer News Not So Good

by Tom Lewis on Jan 17, 2008 6:33 AM EST in Indiana Pacers News

Unreal. The Indiana Pacers posted their most exciting win of the season last night. Silly me, I was thinking they'd be able to bask in local spotlight of all the positives that oozed out of the comeback win against the Warriors.

Well, there are three stories dedicated to the Pacers in this morning's Indy Star, but the game story was overshadowed by two negative hits on the organization. That may sound like a shot at the Star, it's not, they're reporting the facts.

The fact is, Jamaal Tinsley did rest his sore knee last night, but that's because Tins was suspended for the game.

The Indiana Pacers suspended Jamaal Tinsley for Wednesday night's game against Golden State following an incident during a film session one day earlier, The Star has learned.

What exactly happened during the session is unknown. However, coach Jim O'Brien said prior to Wednesday's game that Tinsley would sit out because of an injured knee. O'Brien told The Star the same thing after the game.

Turns out Stephen Jackson confirmed the story. The dynamic duo rides, again. Tinsley's body language usually reveals a lot and since his end of game shooting binge against the Suns, he's seemed out of sorts and a bit surly. He sat out against Sacramento to rest his knee. Was he suspended for that game too? Then against Golden State he was playing fine, but his flagrant foul against Monta Ellis changed the game, but didn't seem to phase Mel Mel. O'B's efforts to push Tinsley to greatness apparently have been rebuffed. Fabulous.

The other negative story was a Bob Kravitz column on the faulty NBA drug testing policy that doesn't notify teams after a player fails two tests. This is more a shot at the NBA, but since it fully rehashes the suspension of Pacer center David Harrison, it forces us all to roll around in the muddy situation.

So, we had about two hours of NBA bliss following the win. Hope you enjoyed it.

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Comments

Jeff Foster

Kept so many balls alive underneath in the 4th quarter, keeping them in it. This was definitely the most exciting game of the year, Kareem was an absolute beast down the stretch and Granger getting to the line is something that needs to happen consistently. And for the record that had to be the most steals i ever seen in one quarter, 12!!

by captain flitzy on Jan 17, 2008 8:19 AM EST reply actions

I heard it was a record

for steals. Foster was indeed the man.

by Tom Lewis on Jan 17, 2008 8:35 AM EST up reply actions

Tinsley is at it again.

I don't want to rehash our debate from before but once again we are shown beyond a doubt that Tinsley is a distraction and should be thrown out of town as soon as possible. Your point guard cannot constantly be causing your team problems if you want to win. How will you spin this one Cornrows? Was this just Tinsley being in the wrong place at the wrong time? Is he just a victim of bad luck? When will you admit that he is not what we need on this team?

by ThirtyOne on Jan 17, 2008 9:04 AM EST reply actions

Ha ha - I've been waiting for you

ThirtyOne. There is NO defense for this, but it also doesn't compare to the off-court shooting incident.
The team seems to maintain JT was not suspended. To me that's semantics. There has been a noticeable shift (for the worse) in his on-court demeanor which always accompanies poor play. If JT can't get straight with O'B he has to go.

by Tom Lewis on Jan 17, 2008 9:15 AM EST up reply actions

Finally

Thanks for coming over to my side on this one, if only half way. Plus if JT is dealt we might be able to sink lower in the standings and have a better chance at Eric Gordon in the draft. That's our only real chance for improving attendance next season.

by ThirtyOne on Jan 17, 2008 9:36 AM EST reply actions

I know it's true

that sinking in the standings is good. I just can't make my basketball spirit accept it. Fortunately I have you as the Minister of Reality Checks.

by Tom Lewis on Jan 17, 2008 9:42 AM EST up reply actions

Tinsley

Is there any trade talk with tinsley goin on out there? How about a package with tinsley and jermaine?

by captain flitzy on Jan 17, 2008 10:13 AM EST reply actions

The only talk is

how little are the Pacers willing to take in return. The value of both is pretty low because they can't stay healthy and well, with Tins, ask ThirtyOne.

by Tom Lewis on Jan 17, 2008 10:15 AM EST up reply actions

The Problem

The main problem here is that trading either would result in a ton of bad contract coming back to us. While I would love to see a deal get done I just don't think its possible. And its looking like JO will not opt out of his contract after this season, even though that would be best for him and the Pacers.

by ThirtyOne on Jan 18, 2008 7:53 AM EST reply actions