I never thought I'd say it or that it would even cross my mind but after Wednesday's game vs. the Phoenix Suns I couldn't help but wonder, "Are the Pacers missing Jermaine O'Neal?" With Amare Stoudemire devouring the Pacers front line time and time again, ending with 49 points and 11 rebounds, and seeing Jeff Foster and Roy Hibbert combine for a stat line that read 7 points, 6 rebounds, 0 blocks, I couldn't help but wonder if it would have been different with Jermaine playing. For the most part Jermaine could be counted on to produce on the offensive end even if he wasn't shutting down players defensively he was able to neutralize them in some manner with his own scoring. Now don't get me wrong, it was time for Jermaine to move on; when you want franchise money but don't want to carry the franchise anymore it's time to go. However, all I had to do to remember that we made the right decision was look at Jermaine's stat line Wednesday night for Toronto against Detroit, 8 points, 3 rebounds, 1 block, and I was reminded that we didn't exactly give up a player in his prime. And with T.J. Ford contributing 23 points on 50% shooting what is there to complain about? And we had Rasho out with his sprained ankle for tonight's game. Besides, a less than formidable front line isn't the only thing the Pacers have to worry about. We have a young team with new players jumping in the rotation at all different places. It will take time to find a rhythm and get in sync.
The question after three games with a 1-2 record is, can the Pacers return to the playoffs after a two year absence? The first few games have indicated that we will win games by out-hustling teams and by catching teams by surprise but I can't get the idea out of my head that we will have to get used to being at the bottom of the Central Division. Can the Pacers stay competitive enough to be within reach of a playoff spot while they become accustomed to playing together? Sadly, I say no.
Keywords: Amare Stoudemire, Indiana Pacers
