2012-13 Record: 36-46

Season Highlights- The Pacers were one of the rare teams that had a pretty good string of health throughout the season. Only Brandon Knight missed any significant time and he checked in for 69 games while Wallace was the only other starter to miss a game clocking in at 78 games total. With the stability of a relatively talented roster and the positive synergy of their GM the Pacers were always a team that had a chance to win every game they took the floor for.

Season Lowlights – Blake Griffin's slight regression and the teams overall consistent inconsistency. For some reason this team can't seem to put it together to develop some sort of identity and Griffin who has the tools to become some sort of Karl Malone, KG hybrid just seems to refuse to take that next step.

Success starts from the top and management may have to self-evaluate to see if there is a commitment to winning or to enjoying the ride which can be the difference between success and a loyal fanbase and mediocrity and apathetic fans.

Best Trade – Although the Pacers manage to make a few moves. I am not sure their impacts fall in a best or worse category. But possibly escaping what was sure to be abandonment by JJ Hickson in this deal here "The Boston Celtics send John Lucas and Patrick Patterson to the Indiana Pacers. The Indiana Pacers send J.J. Hickson to the Boston Celtics." probably qualifies as the best just from a dodging a bullet standpoint.

Worst Trade - Worse trade could possibly be "The Indiana Pacers send Patrick Patterson to the LA Lakers. The LA Lakers send Quincy Pondexter to the Indiana Pacers" but only for lack of any meaningful impact.

Other Notable Trades – "The Brooklyn Nets send Gerald Wallace to the Indiana Pacers. The Indiana Pacers send Jason Smith and Omer Asik to the Brooklyn Nets.
The Indiana Pacers send a 1st-Rounder (Mia) to the Brooklyn Nets." Although aging and slightly overpaid, Wallace's hustle, athleticism and defense could have been the missing link to help get teh Pacers in playoff position. But with his rebound and points totals slight off from his previous season coupled with teh Pacers -.40 differential means that his impact wasnt what was expected but wasn't horrible either.

"The Charlotte Bobcats send Marc Gasol to the Indiana Pacers. The Indiana Pacers send Eric Gordon to the Charlotte Bobcats." Gasol is a solid big that was an upgrade over Asik's one dimensional game and the Pacers really didn't have a need for yet another 6'3" combo guard.

Best FA Signing – Jeremy Lin. Linsanity is in Pacerland to stay. Lin's numbers were okay across the board with a good mark from downtown and a decent 5.0 assist rate which was a little offset by his 3.5 tpg. But he made up for it surprisingly in steels and blocks. Perhaps better offball movement by Lin's teammates could cut down on his turnovers.

Worst FA Signing- Tyler Honeycutt, No impact offersheet matched by the Grizzlies

Star- Brandon Knight (Surprisingly) Knight is a combo guard that doesn't trule understand the SG position but doesn't make the decisions necessary to be a full time PG. If he played more in sync with Griffin instead of looking for his own shot the time could probbaly post better offensive numbers.

Surprise – That this team just can't get it together 

Goat – Management for not taking such a seemingly talented team into the playoffs yet.

Draft Report Card – Draft Grade B - Shabazz and Jamal Franklin will solid contributors and rotation players for the Pacers. The two 2nd rounders Grant and Raul probably won't make the team but will be able to say that they hung out with a fun loving happy go lucky crew in Indiana

Looking to the Future – The Pacers need to figure out how to make this Blake's team. Blake should be capping 25pts 10 rebounds a game in his sleep. But something is missing. This team isn't really lacking for talent. It is however lacking in the cohesion department. The pieces just don't seem to fit. Possibly trading a backcourt piece for a true SG might help open up the offense I am not sure if throwing Shabazz into the fire as a rookie will be the best option as a starter but his presence definitely gives them some much needed versatility and athleticism at the wing positions. The pacers have always operated well within the confines of the salary cap despite some unusual signings in the past. So its safe to say they won't be in any danger of paying the Luxury tax anytime soon but there is more than enough talent here to make this team a playoff staple for the next few years.

Upcoming Free Agents

Over the last couple years this team has managed to have a highly coveted RFA. This year its Blake Griffin. Sheed has a history of bidding against himself when it comes to his RFA's instead of using that cap and time strategically to improve the team even further. There is no indication that things will be different this go-around.

Leandro Barbosa - who is recovering from a major injury is questionable to return.

Xavier Henry, Lamar Odom, Shavlik Randolph and Steve Blake should all be sent packing to find someplace else to work.

CJ Watson and Terrence Williams would be nice holdovers but they are looking to make a ripple in other locales

Francisco Garcia who has made a career of drawing attention for a bad contract and getting obscure injuries would be a solid 3rd wing if he will be willing to take the vets minimum.