news-engine

After a week of wondering who the Indiana Pacers were going to play in their season opener, we now have our answer. Unfortunately, it's a pretty disappointing answer. Instead of seeing Indiana fight their demons against the OKC Thunder or bring back the early 2000s-era rivalry with the Detroit Pistons, the Pacers will be facing the... New Orleans Pelicans? Even worse, it's an away game. Tyrese Haliburton's first game after returning from his torn Achilles tendon will be in front of a near-empty arena in the Smoothie King Center instead of the adoring crowds of Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Understandably, Haliburton is disappointed, giving the following quote on an appearance of the "Numbers on the Board" podcast. ""Name any other person that you compare to my level of a basketball player, wherever you have me ranked, if they tore their Achilles and missed 16 months, do you think that [first game back] would be on national TV? Do you think that game would be at home if not on national television? Do you think that game would be at New Orleans?Tyrese Haliburton "When I saw the schedule I was like, 'Oh, wow.' I was shocked to see that. But we move on."" Tyrese is absolutely right. The Pacers are not treated as a team of their caliber should be. Just two years ago, Indiana was in the Finals, pushing the eventual champion to a do-or-die Game 7 after an incredible playoff run. Following a 19-win season, there is some logic to snubbing the Pacers. After all, this is a team that no one wanted to watch last year. However, when teams like the Washington Wizards and Brooklyn Nets are being treated as real draws despite their extended stay in the lottery, the logic falls apart. No, Indiana has been thoroughly disrespected by the NBA and its scheduling decisions. Seriously? The Pelicans? If you thought the Pacers had a boring offseason, just wait until you see the Pelicans. Their only move was bringing back veteran big man DeAndre Jordan (on a deal that they absolutely failed to optimize). While the Pacers can at least hope for a return to the level they were once at, the Pelicans have been the failure of the NBA basically since their creation. New Orleans' roster has no real allure. Rookies Derrick Queen and Jeremiah Fears had moments, but neither projects to be the crown jewel of a rebuild. Zion Williamson remains a massive question mark. If he breaks out, it will likely come as a member of another franchise. The only story of note for this matchup is Tyrese Haliburton facing off against another player who dealt with an Achilles tear recently in DeJounte Murray. Unfortunately, beyond that, this game's intrigue is now entirely on Haliburton's performance. While that was always the case, it is devastating for that to come away from home, from the fans who have been longing for that day. It is an abject failure of the NBA. To group an exciting team like the Pacers with the dregs of the league in the Pelicans is a mistake of marketing that speaks to the hatred the league seems to have for its smaller market teams. What a sad choice. Pacers fans will surely tune in and will definitely make that first crowd pop at home worthy of the real return Tyrese Haliburton deserves.