As the NBA Finals tip off tonight, all eyes may be on the marquee teams taking center stage, but subtle hints from Indiana suggest the Pacers are quietly preparing for a major leap forward. While they aren’t suiting up for the championship round this year, the signals coming from the organization reveal a team in motion—planning, plotting, and preparing with purpose.
From coaching staff comments to player workouts and even front-office activity, Indiana seems to be laying the groundwork for a breakout season. Though they haven’t publicly stated any grand ambitions, keen observers can piece together several telling clues that point to serious behind-the-scenes preparation.
First, consider the team’s recent focus on player development. Over the past few weeks, there have been increased reports of key Pacers players engaging in private training sessions and skill-specific camps. Tyrese Haliburton, the team’s rising star and undisputed leader, has reportedly been working with elite shooting coaches and fine-tuning his pick-and-roll efficiency. This isn’t just routine offseason training—it’s championship-caliber preparation.
Similarly, several young Pacers—namely Bennedict Mathurin and Andrew Nembhard—have been seen participating in rigorous defensive drills and scrimmages against veteran competition. These details, though subtle, suggest Indiana is focused on closing the gaps that kept them from advancing further in the playoffs.
Another signal comes from front office chatter. There’s been quiet buzz around trade talks and draft strategy. Sources close to the organization suggest that Indiana is actively exploring roster upgrades, possibly targeting experienced forwards who can stretch the floor and defend multiple positions. These aren’t rebuild moves; they’re win-now considerations—further evidence that the Pacers are looking to compete at the highest level soon.
Coach Rick Carlisle has also been dropping hints. In recent interviews, he’s spoken less about rebuilding and more about “finishing games,” “playoff focus,” and “getting over the hump.” His language has shifted noticeably, indicating that the franchise is transitioning from development mode to a more competitive mindset.
While the Pacers won’t be raising a trophy this year, the moves they’re making—subtle as they may be—show a franchise with its eyes on the prize. As fans tune in to watch the NBA Finals tonight, they might do well to keep an eye on Indiana too. Because if these hints are any indication, the Pacers may be preparing to crash the Finals stage themselves in the near future.