Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle. David Butler II-Imagn Images

Biggest potential flaw for Pacers ahead of 2024-25 season

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 10/15/24

No team is more exciting to watch than the current version of the Indiana Pacers. Rick Carlisle's team finished the 2023-24 season among the rosters with the fastest pace of play. The Pacers were also second to the Boston Celtics in offensive rating.

Carlisle likes his young team to run the floor, get shots up and be disruptive on the defensive end. Indiana has a wealth of offensive talent at its disposal, with Tyrese Haliburton headlining the attack.

However, outside of Pascal Siakam, Myles Turner and Aaron Nesmith (to a lesser extent), there aren't many high-level defenders within Carlisle's team. That's why the Pacers consistently look to outrun and outgun their opponents. Unfortunately, that lack of defense could prove to be a flaw in the Pacers' roster construction.

Indiana may struggle to remain competitive if it comes across teams that find ways to slow down its transition game or force it into a slower pace of play.

Think the pace and tempo of the Pacers is really going to be a good fit for Pascal Siakam. Ball past half court at :21, Pascal gets a post up with :18 on the clock. Look at the room he has to work with. Keep an eye on it. pic.twitter.com/4floSpZUiU
— Steve Jones Jr. (@stevejones20) January 20, 2024

Indiana's game plan for the past 12 months has been to outpace its opponents. Given its current roster, that doesn't need to change in the upcoming season. When done right, it is one of the more dangerous offensive teams in the league and scores enough points to win a considerable number of games.

If two or three members of the current rotation improve defensively, Carlisle will have a potential conference finals team again. The Pacers fell to the Celtics in the conference finals last season.

However, without a reliable and sturdy defense, the Pacers' chances of making a major splash this season are negligible. They're still a young and developing team. While their future is undoubtedly exciting and bright, they shouldn't be counted on as legitimate contenders just yet.

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