Indiana Pacers · 13 notes
Ivica Zubac is learning a system a bit different from the Clippers', and Indiana is adjusting too: "he's a little different than anybody we've ever had," Rick Carlisle said. Larry Nance Jr., Jay Huff and Aaron Nesmith will be used at more than one position.
T.J. McConnell (hamstring) isn't back yet and a couple more Pacers are still getting healthy, per Indiana's media availability. Quenton Jackson has run the bench at point guard; Rick Carlisle says he's "ready for... being a full-time roster guy and being ready at all times."
Larry Nance Jr. and Jay Huff should treat Indiana's backup center job as a team, Rick Carlisle said: "their job is to hold the fort." Both can also play power forward so the Pacers can go bigger. Asked about T.J. McConnell for the opener: "Working on it. We hope so."
Ivica Zubac is "probably the best screener in the NBA," Indiana's Aaron Nesmith said. Tyrese Haliburton said slowing his pace helped their pick-and-roll. Asked whether Nesmith, Andrew Nembhard and Jarace Walker practiced after missing Oct. 13, Rick Carlisle said only: "Some."
Tyrese Haliburton returned in Oklahoma City on Oct. 13, and Indiana's Rick Carlisle said the game slowed down for him and he played undaunted by the past. "It's been a sixteen month period, which is a generous period of time for rehab. But it's long and arduous."
Ivica Zubac is still adjusting in Indiana. Rick Carlisle called him terrific in the Pacers' overtime game in Oklahoma City on Oct. 13, his screening a major plus, but said "there will continue to be adjustments as we go" as Zubac learns a new style and new teammates.
Otega Oweh was the first thing Rick Carlisle addressed after Indiana's overtime game in Oklahoma City on Oct. 13. The Pacers coach sent prayers: "Not sure what happened there, but it looked like a daunting situation." He gave no update on Oweh's condition.
Kelly Oubre Jr., now an Indiana starter, is still adjusting to the pace. Rick Carlisle: "A lot of players will tell you that they want to run, they want to play fast. Until they find out what the commitment is... from a conditioning standpoint." He said Oubre is doing well.
Larry Nance Jr. got his first minutes as a Pacer. Rick Carlisle: "we needed to get Larry acclimated, get him back out there in a real game. So he did well." He listed Nance with Ivica Zubac, Obi Toppin and Jay Huff as frontcourt options, Nance able to play some power forward.
New center Ivica Zubac means adjustments for Indiana's starters. "Zu did a lot of great things, but he's a different kind of player than we had in there last year," said Rick Carlisle. Tyrese Haliburton said he has to slow down in pick-and-roll to let Zubac set his screens.
Braden Smith, Indiana's rookie from Purdue, was heckled by Iowa State students, over possibly taking Lipsey's roster spot, per a post shown to Rick Carlisle. Smith still finished plus-11. Tyrese Haliburton was dumbfounded: "We beat the shit out of Purdue last year."
Tyrese Haliburton played his first game in 16 months, at alma mater Iowa State. Rick Carlisle said he made "a full recovery" after shingles in rehab lasting 6-8 weeks, maybe longer. As students booed, Haliburton didn't consider going back in: "We're in a process here."
Tyrese Haliburton after the Pacers' Fan Jam: "this is the first time I've left Fan Jam and felt my body's felt good, so I'll take it." He said he's glad to be back. Kelly Oubre Jr on the crowd when Rick Carlisle introduced him: "It was insane... But it was loud."