I noticed everyone else has been offering their opinions on how to make some improvements for next year, so I thought I would take a stab at it. First off, it is worth saying that my opinion is as un-qualified as anyone else’s. As I have disagreed with many of the recent posts, feel free to disagree with mine.

            While most of the recent posts have centered on roster upgrades, I believe the first thing that needs to change is the coach. Jim O’Brien has handled the challenges of this job with class and poise. However, the product on the court has been nowhere near expectations, and he should be held accountable. The 09-10 Pacers were advertised as a team that was going to compete for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference based on hustle, effort, chemistry, and execution of their system. Hustle, effort and chemistry have at least been inconsistent. Execution has been non-existent.

It is not the entire list, but Mark Jackson, Avery Johnson, and Brian Shaw would all be terrific replacements. They all have the experience from their playing days to garner respect from the players. They also seem like they would be excellent motivators; and as former lead guards would have a deep understanding of how to better utilize their rosters in an efficient offensive and defensive system.

As far as the roster goes, I agree there need to be some serious changes. However, I disagree with many of the recent posts about how to do it. The last few ideas offered involve unrealistic scenarios by which the pacers are able to drastically upgrade their athleticism and talent. I actually believe the Pacers have enough talent to be competitive. To me the most glaring weaknesses on our roster, as it is currently constructed, are in basketball IQ. While much of this falls on the shortcomings of the coaching staff, it is exhausting watching players who simply don’t know their roles or how to execute their responsibilities on the basketball court.

I am not saying we have championship caliber talent, but we do have some pieces. We have guys who can jump out of the gym (Dahntay Jones). We have guys who can use the dribble to get anywhere they want go on the floor (T.J. Ford). We have guys with length and size (Hibbert, McRoberts, Solomon Jones). We don’t have players who understand how to use their strengths to bolster the strengths of their teammates. We need players who understand defensive rotations. We need players who understand what a good shot looks like. We need players who understand how ball movement and spacing can create easy opportunities. We need players who understand the value of EVERY possession and protect the ball accordingly. We need players who understand when to attack and when to hold back.

        As much as I hate to say it I think we have to accept that Ford will be back next year. No one is interested and there is no way he is declining his player option for next year. We take what we can get for Murphy, hopefully Hickson, Z's expiring contract and at least a 2nd round pick. I think I am in the minority but I don't think A.J. Price is anything close to an answer at point guard. Unfortunately, without a lot of options we will probably need to keep him and Watson or Ford together for next year. Say goodbye to Head and Diener. Next year we will have the expiring contracts of Foster, Ford, Solomon Jones, and possibly Dunleavy to look for a deal. 

        In addition here are my suggestions for targets on Draft Night. For in-depth profiles on these players, check out Draftexpress.com.

1st Round Targets:

John Wall

Evan Turner

Patrick Patterson

Greg Monroe

Elias Harris

Gordon Hayward

Kyle Singler

2nd Round Targets:

Damion James

Jon Scheyer

Matt Bouldin

Trevor Booker

Damian Saunders

            Wall is the exception on this list because of his transcendent athleticism. The rest are players who change the game with intelligence, attention to details, versatile skills, and a combination of effort and restraint. (They put everything they have into the things that they do best. They restrain themselves from doing the things they don’t do well.) Except for possibly Wall, none of these players is going to carry the Pacers to 60 wins next year. Neither are DeMarcus Cousins, Derrick Favors, Al-Farouq Aminu, Ed Davis, Xavier Henry or Wesley Johnson. I think the players I have suggested will bring intelligence and toughness; which, combined with a new coaching staff, might be the difference between 30 wins and 45 wins.

For every 1st round pick who has come in and singlehandedly changed the fate of a franchise (Tim Duncan, Dwight Howard, Kevin Durant), there have been many more who have flamed out (Patrick Bryant, Saer Sene, Ike Diogu, Luke Jackson), and an even greater number who have settled into mediocrity (Jarvis Hayes, J.R. Smith, Charlie Villanueva, Randy Foye).

Some may say this is playing it safe. To me it presents the greatest opportunity to field a competitive team next year. Not just a competitive team, but a smart, tough, disciplined team. That’s the Pacers I remember from my childhood. That’s the Pacers that I want to root for.