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The Indianapolis Star will have a new beat writer for the Indiana Pacers next season as Mike Wells moves over to West 56th Street to cover the Indianapolis Colts, along with current beat writer Mike Chappell.
Wells broke the news of his own local story while talking about the NBA Finals and Pacers offseason with Grady & Big Joe on 1070 The Fan. After discussing how the Pacers don't have a lot of room to make a big splash in free agency and may need to sell a veteran or two on the opportunity to win, Wells dropped the news.
Wells: It would be interesting to be able to be involved in that, but I won't be involved in free agency or even the draft next week.
Big Joe: What? You taking another vacation?
MG: What's going on? I know it's the offseason, but damn.
Wells: I know, I know, but my days of covering the Pacers are done. I am no longer the Pacers beat writer at the Star.
Big Joe: As of when?
Wells: As of yesterday, I am, Joe? Are you ready for this Joe? (Yeah) I am switching over and covering the Colts. Me and Mike Chappell will be teaming together to cover the Colts for the Star now.
The Star delivered great content throughout the playoffs for the Pacers with Wells leading the charge, so it makes sense that they want to continue to improve their offerings for the Colts to make the coverage worth the price of the pay wall.
I'll miss Wells around the Fieldhouse for a variety of reasons, some even relating to basketball, but tops among them was his reporting on the Pacers. When he had a story there was never a doubt about the veracity of the report. That's why he had such a great reputation among all beat writers around the NBA.
I wouldn't be surprised to see Wells increase his radio appearances since he always entertains as a guest or guest host on various local shows.
So now we have to wait to see who will take over the Pacers beat. Wells mentioned the Star would likely look to bring in a beat writer as opposed to handing it over to a current reporter, like Zak Keefer. If that is the case, they should have plenty of folks interested with the chance to cover this current Pacers team.