Starting over

Kareem and the Pacers are at a crossroads. Let's hope they will take the yellow brick road to a bright future for both.
I want to start attending some games again.

I hate to say it but I agree with this move. I remeber the game he lit the Pacers up like christmeas in New York.

His defense is suspect so O'Brien has some work to do. At least its a move.

Here's another idea to improve the Pacers: fire Larry Bird (and hire Jerry West?).

This is a good move. We are giving him basically nothing in return, so if he can come back and put the ball in the basket some, its a win/win for the Pacers.

I just have a concern about you saying Rush is a good three point shooter and OBrien builds his offense around getting threes off. So the worst shooting team in the league is going to build its offense around threes? I hope there is a backup plan. Dunleavy is a serviceable three point shooter....Murphy maybe serviceable though he thinks hes great. No one else is consistent except Granger maybe 1 out of 5 games.

Here is to hoping Rush takes it to the rim as well as knocks them down from outside. He can average 25 a game for us if he goes about it right.

I like Kareem's story, especially after what happened to Jaron, his older brother. I've always rooted for Kareem to do well. Now, I'll have even more to root for.

Having said that, I still don't understand the direction Larry and Donnie are taking us. This wasn't the off-season acquisition I was hoping for. I'm happy for Kareem and happy for the lottery pick we'll have next year, but I think I'll root for the Bulls this year.

I agree with the last post...I seriously hope that O'Brien has a plan to turn our supposed three point shooters into consistent ones if he plans on building this team around the three point line...But giving his past (he too was let go misteriously in Philly, but anyone who knows that situation knows it was all about bringing in a coach that would be more popular in that city: Mo Cheeks) I think he will make this team better just by the way they play defense. I think Mike Brown was the glue that held the Pacers together defensively and when he took the Cleveland job, so went our defensive intensity. I believe Kareem Rush is going to be a good fit for this team and could challenge for a starter job at the 2. I mean who else does he really have to challenge for the job??? Mike Dunleavy should come off the bench, without a doubt. The only person that should challenge is Marquis Daniels, and that's if he proves to be healthier than last season. It definately should be interesting. The team still needs to make some moves to improve the roster.

irishslider wrote:

Here's another idea to improve the Pacers: fire Larry Bird (and hire Jerry West?).

The last thing Indiana needs is another Laker die hard to pilfer the talent in the Pacers and send them and our draft picks to the Lakers for more has-beens!!! Remember Sam Nassi era??? Obviously not. If Rush acts up and ends up in court, then Larry has to go! But not another Laker in here!!(or Celtic for that matter). I hope O'Brien can right this wayward ship and instill some confidence and mental toughness in the Pacers. As far as the 3's, we really don't need a fake center that wants to shot 3's, but one that plays 'D' and rebounds on the offensive end also. If his man leaves him to double up burn 'em. I believe Jeff can do this if given a chance. Trade Murph's contract and loosen up some cap space to get on the free agent market. Dunleavy, Tinsley, Harrison, McLeod to L.A. for Odom, Bynum, Parker.

Don in Indy wrote:

<quoted text>The last thing Indiana needs is another Laker die hard to pilfer the talent in the Pacers and send them and our draft picks to the Lakers for more has-beens!!! Remember Sam Nassi era??? Obviously not. If Rush acts up and ends up in court, then Larry has to go! But not another Laker in here!!(or Celtic for that matter). I hope O'Brien can right this wayward ship and instill some confidence and mental toughness in the Pacers. As far as the 3's, we really don't need a fake center that wants to shot 3's, but one that plays 'D' and rebounds on the offensive end also. If his man leaves him to double up burn 'em. I believe Jeff can do this if given a chance. Trade Murph's contract and loosen up some cap space to get on the free agent market. Dunleavy, Tinsley, Harrison, McLeod to L.A. for Odom, Bynum, Parker.

So, let's get this straight -- you want to trade an overpaid starter who should be a sixth man, a point guard who is often injured, a center who is always injured, and a third string PGF for a starting SF/PF, a young, talented centere, and a backup PG? Obviously we would do it, but what makes you think the Lakers would do it?

Dump Murphy's contract or trade to Orlando for Arroyo plus whatever to satisfy cap. Then sign Millicic. Granger, JO, Millicic, Rush & Arroyo.(?)

this is a good move. i wish the best for Kareem. Hopefully, this is the starting point for turning the organization around.

Kareem...your under the microscope. Like it or not. This city has a extreemly short fuse for BS

"Dunleavy, Tinsley, Harrison, McLeod to L.A. for Odom, Bynum, Parker."

BWAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHA! No way in a million years would LA make that deal with us.

The article says that the Pacers are in rebuilding mode which is not true. All they've done is to slap a new coat of paint on a turd.

GO COLTS!!!

LOL at O'Brien saying, in essence, "don't worry, Pacers fans, your front office does a thorough background check of any player we sign". This is just so stupid and such a lie, I really don't know quite what to say. Are we supposed to just forget the background checks the Pacers disregarded or didn't do on Jackson, Tinsley and Artest and so on??? O well, what's one more lie or one more example of front office incompetence in what is now a series of moves that proves we, the fans, are idiots to support such sad, sad failures. The Pacers front office has proven to be not only compulsive gamblers, but a total affront to fans with any sort of intelligence. Truly a pathetic situation.

As long as expectations are kept in check, Kareem Rush is a decent addition to the team. It remains to be seen, but there is the potential that he'll do well for us. And best of all, we're not trapped by a large, long-term contract. It may the first good move Mgmt has made in awhile.

Still believe O-Brien can do some good things. Celtics and Philly (check AI's stats) haven't been as good since he left.

I cant understand why anyone thinks this team is a lottery team. Rick Carlisle lost control and respect of this team two years running. I remember Larry Brown losing control of his last team here and missed the play offs. Same team came back to make the NBA finals. This team has more than enough talent to compete for the NBA east. Jim Obrien will be the key to making it happen.Good luck Jim

Are you serious? I'm glad the kid is back in the league, but he does not make us 1 win better. There is a reason he is a marginal NBA talent, he can't guard anyone at that level. Kareem will give you 16 a game, but give up 20 to anyone he is guarding. Small frame and not quick enough laterally, he solves zero problems. I wish him the best, but if it is about winning a championship, this kid does not get you any closer whatsoever!

Kareem Rush deserves as good a chance as Stephen Jackson did and his character appears to be better, much better than SJ. I believe he will be a good fit for this team as is it currently constructed. He will open up the middle for Jermaine and allow Grainger to get his shots to finally be able to prove HIS worth in the NBA. With the addition of Rush and coach Obrien the Pacers will definitely make the playoffs, the question is at what seed. These guys are PROfessionals and quitting on any coach is IMO is simply not acceptable. I wish Kareem the best and I truly believe he will do well, anytime a player has something to prove and remain hungry, I think as long as he has the talent, he will do well with any team.

Glenn

weleleellel Kreeem you may not be the best guard in the league and your for sure no Reggie, But I know you will be a hell of allot better then Mike DUMBleavey Jr and Stephen "Just Shoot Me" Jackson. Also I trully believe although your no Chauncie Billups, you will I repeit will bring more to the team then any one involved in that trade for all thoes GS screwups. And Shawne Williams as well.

Glenn wrote:

Kareem Rush deserves as good a chance as Stephen Jackson did and his character appears to be better, much better than SJ. I believe he will be a good fit for this team as is it currently constructed. He will open up the middle for Jermaine and allow Grainger to get his shots to finally be able to prove HIS worth in the NBA. With the addition of Rush and coach Obrien the Pacers will definitely make the playoffs, the question is at what seed. These guys are PROfessionals and quitting on any coach is IMO is simply not acceptable. I wish Kareem the best and I truly believe he will do well, anytime a player has something to prove and remain hungry, I think as long as he has the talent, he will do well with any team.
Glenn

Wasn't Kareem wwwaaaaaayyyy better then Wacko Jacko ever was when he played for he Lakers and Raptors??