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#3 Perimeter shooting
The Indiana Pacers have not prioritized perimeter shooting for a long time, and it has continued to hurt them. The 2020-21 NBA season was no exception as they finished in the bottom half of the table in 3-point shooting percentage.
Although Jeremy Lamb and Brogdon were dangerous from three-point range, the team as a whole did not pose much of a threat in that area. Perhaps it is time for the front office to shake things up and bring in more catch-and-shoot players. This will also spread the floor and give room for Sabonis to work.
#4 The Indiana Pacers consistently tried to pair two big men
The Indiana Pacers have exceptional talent in center position and have tried to start both their centers hoping for increased productivity. The tactic has been tested for two consecutive seasons and results have shown that they perform better with just one on the hardwood.
To accommodate Myles Turner, Sabonis was moved to the power forward position to guarantee both players would make the starting five. But the tactic has not yielded much success as lineups featuring both players have failed to perform at a high level.
Although the coaches have tried to get the most out of Turner and Sabonis by making the decision, it has done more harm than good so far. A decision needs to be made on whether their minutes together will be reduced, or one will drop to the bench completely.
#5 Head coach Nate Bjorkgren's fracas with players and staffers
Nate Bjorkgren was brought in for the 2020-21 season after the Indiana Pacers parted ways with Nate McMillan. However, his appointment did not bring the expected success, as he failed to qualify for the 2021 NBA playoffs.
The Indiana Pacers have now opted to let go of Bjorkgren after a year with the franchise and have employed the services of Rick Carlisle. While the main reason for his firing was his failure to qualify for the playoffs, there were also rumors of a clash with his players and staffers.
It was, without doubt, a difficult season for the rookie coach, as he lost key players to injuries and had to observe COVID-19 protocols. However, Bjorkgren let the pressure get to him and reportedly lashed out at other staff and players alike. With so much tension off the court, it proved to be difficult for the Indiana Pacers to reach their goals while on it.
