The NBA's decision to slap a $100,000 fine on the Indiana Pacers for resting key players against the Utah Jazz on February 3 has stirred quite the reaction among fans. Known for their integrity on the court, the Pacers have never been a team to tank intentionally. Their approach has always been straightforward-if they're having a tough season, they take it on the chin without resorting to strategic losses.
This move by the NBA to penalize Indiana seems a bit harsh, especially when considering other teams have had more blatant attempts at tanking. Remember "The Process"? Yet, the Pacers found themselves in the league's crosshairs, despite ruling out most of their starters for that game.
On the "Bill Simmons Podcast," Simmons didn't exactly leap to the Pacers' defense but made it clear he believes they're genuinely trying to win, injuries notwithstanding. "They've had a ton of injuries.
Have you watched them? They still give a [expletive].
They're trying to win some of these games," he remarked.
Looking at the numbers, the Pacers are sitting at 15-40 coming out of the All-Star break, the fourth-worst record in the league. But a poor record doesn't necessarily equate to intentional losses.
They're missing Tyrese Haliburton due to an Achilles tear, and injuries have plagued players like Andrew Nembhard, Obi Toppin, Aaron Nesmith, T.J. McConnell, and Bennedict Mathurin.
Without Myles Turner, the team looks vastly different from last year's near-title contenders.
Indiana's struggles are evident on both ends of the court, a likely result of injuries and players adjusting to expanded roles. Their offensive rating of 109.8 is at the bottom of the league, and defensively, they rank 21st with a 117.1 rating, according to Basketball-Reference.com.
While the future holds promise for Indiana, this season has been a rough ride. Injuries have taken their toll, and the team's performance reflects that. Despite the league's judgment, the Pacers' current woes are more about circumstance than strategy.