FKIM01

1 hour ago, Billingsley99 said:

I have watched more games this year than the last 2 combined.  If PG leaves after this year I feel OKC got SCREWED in this deal. 

I already think that.  I know we keep getting warned about the small sample size and the "experts" felt like the Thunder overpaid Vic on his contract, but more and more the "experts" look wrong on this one.  They've completely discounted the heart factor on this trade. Vic is becoming a Hoosier legend right before our eyes.

I'm enjoying the debate.  Here's my prediction...the Pacers will be a better team without him this year than they were with him last year. Bold?  Maybe...and maybe very wrong but I really like the chemistry I'm seeing in this year's group.  If only they had Frank Vogel to coach them...THAT, I agree, was a monumental mistake on Bird's part.

6 minutes ago, CauseThatsMyDJ said:

My question now is, what happens when Turner does come back? This has become VO's team, but it was always supposed to be Turner's team.

I don't think Vic has the personality where he has to be THE alpha male.  I think he'd be glad to share the spotlight with Turner and that would healthy for the team.  Frankly, that's why his numbers weren't bigger in OKC, IMO. Westbrook is just a ball-dominant guard.

1 hour ago, KoB2011 said:

Damontis Sabonis also with a huge game.  Pacers have some really nice young pieces. 

...but it was a terrible trade...Vic isn't near the player that George is...yet.

Interesting how Oladipo  keeps looking like an elite talent while all the "experts" say he's not...

2 minutes ago, BGleas said:

It's hard to say from OKC's point of view. I think even if PG leaves there this summer, this trade and the Melo signing are what helped Westbrook finally sign with them long-term. Without the PG trade I think there's a really good chance Westbrook entertains leaving next summer. So, even if PG bolts I think it was worth it for OKC, especially since VO was a horrible fit there once Durant left. 

Was that mostly due to Westbrook's ball dominance?  It does appear that he fits better with the Pacers and has a better chance to blossom.  I could see him putting up a stat line similar to what George puts up this year, albeit for a less-talented team that relies much more heavily on Vic than OKC does on George.

2 hours ago, Hoosierhoopster said:

Naah, winning the PG trade? If you really believe that, and after a couple early games, I have a bridge in Brooklyn to sell you. Your fandom, and disenchantment with PG, has the better of you.

The Pacers are not a playoff team, but how they develop with their new core group, including Vic, will be fun to watch. 

If George leaves OKC after this year, does that change your opinion?  Let's even say he gets OKC deep in the playoffs...was it worth what OKC gave up to get him for one season?  I don't know...just have opinions, but I'm curious if that scenario changes your opinion any?  Oladipo is probably not ready to carry the Pacers like Paul George might have but after watching him last night, I don't feel like he's as overpaid as the "experts" thought he was.

I thought that trade was better thank the "experts" believed at the time and I would not be at all surprised to see Vic earn every penny of his "expensive" contract.  I tried to tell myself that I was just being an IU homer but I just love Vic the person as much as I love Vic the player.  That may end up being a great example of a true win-win trade, even though I suspect the Pacers may end up looking like they got the better end of it yet. No doubt it will take awhile to prove out since PG is better regarded today, but I doubt the Pacers miss his attitude.

Vic had a rough game...whew. Nice dunk though.

2 hours ago, milehiiu said:

Thanks snowling.  Thought this deserved it's own special acknowledgement.  Coach Crean made his mark.

 

This, running a clean program, and identifying underappreciated talent are the three things I appreciate about CTC and what he brought to Indiana.  Of the eight players he put in the league, Bryant, Vonleh and Zeller were the only three I thought had strong NBA potential. Anunoby and Oladipo, and to a lesser extent, WIlliams and Ferrell (mostly due to compensating for and overcoming a lack of height) are bona-fide success stories for CTC.  I hope Blackmon finds success as well, but I'm less convinced he sticks.  He's going to have to play defense and be a better teammate.