The Indiana Pacers are looking for a new coach after dismissing Nate McMillan, despite giving him a contract extension weeks ago. Who could be the next?
It came as a surprise to many when the Indiana Pacers decided to part ways with coach Nate McMillan after the team was eliminated. While a sweep against the Miami Heat, a team that some had considered a rival that they would be able to push, is certainly a negative the Pacers, the team was riddled with injuries. Most notably, they lost their All-Star Domantas Sabonis before the return to play.
It is tough to say what else the team could have done. Given the players on the roster (and those who were available in playoff minutes), it seems that the team hit their ceiling. They were without Victor Oladipo for much of the season and struggled with other injuries throughout. The improvement of the players under McMillan has been clear. But the front office decided it was time for a change.
In the defense of the front office, the offense was a definite sticking point. The Pacers under McMillan never finished better than 26th in 3-point attempts and 23rd in free throw attempts. This season they finished dead last in both.
The Indiana Pacers the last 3 years in terms of 3PA & FTA:
— Kory Waldron (@Just_KWal) August 7, 2020
2016-2017:
27th 3PA - 4th in 3P%
23rd FTA
2017-2018:
26th 3PA - 9th in 3P%
27th FTA
2018-2019:
29th 3PA - 5th in 3P%
23rd FTA
2019-2020:
30th 3PA
30th FTA
Team hasn’t been fully healthy but this isn’t good. https://t.co/C5aNNBfApN
Predictably the top names rumored to be heading to Indiana are offensive minds. The roster and game plan need something of an overhaul if they want to improve on that side of the floor. The looming possibility of a Victor Oladipo trade hangs over this process as well. So who should they consider?