3 realistic goals for Indiana Pacers in 2021 NBA Playoffs
By John Buhler
2. Figure out if Nate Bjorkgren has a future in Indiana
A big reason behind the Pacers’ regression this season has been the controversial head-coaching change. While Indianapolis was so done with Nate McMillan this time last year, parting ways with him has not worked out. McMillan has flourished as the Atlanta Hawks interim head coach, while Nate Bjorkgren has the potential to go one-and-done with the Pacers this year. What happened?
Bjorkgren faces arguably the most pressure of any coach in the play-in tournament. The Pacers have to advance to the NBA Playoffs for him to have a realistic future with the club. If Indiana gets the No. 8 seed and holds their own in a first-round matchup vs. the 76ers, then one could argue for him getting a second season at the helm. However, that seems to be a pipe dream right now.
What is important for the Pacers is by advancing to the first round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs, the front office will have collected enough data to make a well-informed decision on Bjorkgren. If the Pacers perform well in the play-in tournament and show signs of life vs. the 76ers, then maybe they are willing to ride out the coaching growing pains for another season?
Conversely, should the Pacers resemble little more than 76ers cannon fodder in round one, or miss out on the playoffs entirely, Indiana can in good conscience admit defeat and look to find their next head-coaching candidate this summer. Guys who could be on the market include Lakers assistant Jason Kidd, as well as Portland Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts should he get the ax.