Thanks to Tom Lewis for the free posting account. Not sure how this substack deal works but, here goes.
Got League Pass kind of against my will as it rolled over from last year. I’m not mad though, looking forward to the new season, new players, Nesmith looked good the last game preseason game, and healthy roster to tip-off the new season.
The East looks deep but, if the team stays healthy, gels, and plays some D they should make the playoffs, be exciting to watch, and grow the young’ns.
I might be in the minority here, but winning games just isn’t that important. More important is for Indiana’s young talent to get playing time and develop. It’s good that Mathurin is starting, but having Walker and Sheppard on the fringes of playing time in favor of veterans is not a good thing. Teams are either trying to win or they are trying to develop. If they try to do both, they are weaker at both points. Winning games just to make the playoffs and lose is very much been there, done that. That’s Indiana’s mode since forever. I’d like to see them develop young talent and maximize that talent into a core. Then, once established, find vets build around that. Build to truly contend, not a “tough out” team.
I hear ya, hence paying homage to the basketball gods because there is no success this year without development from the young players. I include Haliburton in that group. Just don't agree a full tank would be better. Would prefer Hali, et al to find ways to win, not continue accepting losses.
Thanks to Tom Lewis for the free posting account. Not sure how this substack deal works but, here goes.
Got League Pass kind of against my will as it rolled over from last year. I’m not mad though, looking forward to the new season, new players, Nesmith looked good the last game preseason game, and healthy roster to tip-off the new season.
The East looks deep but, if the team stays healthy, gels, and plays some D they should make the playoffs, be exciting to watch, and grow the young’ns.
Enjoy the season, MT!
Mathurin looks to have improved in so many areas.
I might be in the minority here, but winning games just isn’t that important. More important is for Indiana’s young talent to get playing time and develop. It’s good that Mathurin is starting, but having Walker and Sheppard on the fringes of playing time in favor of veterans is not a good thing. Teams are either trying to win or they are trying to develop. If they try to do both, they are weaker at both points. Winning games just to make the playoffs and lose is very much been there, done that. That’s Indiana’s mode since forever. I’d like to see them develop young talent and maximize that talent into a core. Then, once established, find vets build around that. Build to truly contend, not a “tough out” team.
I hear ya, hence paying homage to the basketball gods because there is no success this year without development from the young players. I include Haliburton in that group. Just don't agree a full tank would be better. Would prefer Hali, et al to find ways to win, not continue accepting losses.
Full tank? No. Playing Walker and Sheppard over Hield and McConnell? Yes.