The Indiana Pacers were expected to make a run in the playoffs, but they just received some devastating news that could all but erase their playoff hopes.
The when do the pacers play next is a question that has been asked numerous times in recent weeks. The Indiana Pacers have received devastating news that could all but erase their playoff hopes.
In the 2021-22 season, the Indiana Pacers were already going to have a difficult time reaching the playoffs. With the newest news on forward T.J. Warren, that objective has become much more arduous.
Warren was out for almost the whole 2020-21 season due to a foot ailment. He seemed to be ready for the start of the new season at first, but all signs are that he will be out when it begins in October.
T.J. Warren has established himself as a rising star with the Indiana Pacers.
On draft night in 2019, the Indiana Pacers made the logical decision to acquire T.J. Warren from the Phoenix Suns. They also got the No. 32 overall selection and just had to give up monetary considerations, so it was clear.
Warren had already established himself as a capable scorer with the Suns, and he continued to do so in Indiana. In his debut season with the Pacers, the former NC State standout scored a career-high 19.8 points per game, with a 61 percent true shooting percentage and a career-best +6 net rating.
Before the Pacers fell out in the first round of the playoffs, the Durham native flourished in the Orlando bubble, scoring 32 points or more in four of the last six games of the season.
Warren joined Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner in creating a three-headed beast that could score and spread the floor, giving the Pacers a loaded frontcourt. Indiana, however, did not receive much of an encore from its rising star.
Early in the 2020-21 season, Warren sustained a stress fracture in his left foot. He attempted to return to the rotation, but surgery was required in March.
After a relatively quiet summer, the Pacers undoubtedly thought Warren’s return would serve as an offseason addition to their squad. However, it is unclear when the 28-year-old will be able to return to the ring.
Fans of the Indiana Pacers. I just wanted to make sure you heard it directly from me. I’m making sure I complete this rehab procedure correctly so that I may return to the court as soon as possible and perform at my best.
September 7, 2021 — TJ Warren (@TonyWarrenJr)
Warren’s operation in March seemed to have given him enough time to recuperate in time for the start of the 2021-22 season. That isn’t the case, unfortunately for Pacers supporters.
The Pacers said on Tuesday that although Warren’s foot is mending, it is not progressing “at the rate originally expected.” He will be sidelined “indefinitely” until further notice, according to the team.
Warren wanted to provide a more personal update to his followers. He stated that he was attempting to complete the rehab procedure “correctly” in order to be completely well.
Given that some fans may question whether Warren’s lack of work is related to potential trade demands, the personal update is definitely required. Last season, there were reports that Warren requested a trade, but those allegations were untrue, according to J. Michael, a former Indianapolis Star beat reporter and current Orlando Sentinel editor.
In either scenario, Warren may be gone for a long time for the Pacers. This is terrible news for Indiana’s chances of returning to the playoffs.
In a reloaded Eastern Conference, the Pacers will have to fight for a postseason berth.
Without T.J. Warren in the lineup, the Pacers lack much-needed punch | Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
The Pacers had a difficult time qualifying for the NBA play-in tournament last season, ending as the Eastern Conference’s No. 9 seed. After several clubs restocked in the summer, earning a playoff berth will be even more difficult this time around.
With Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic, the Chicago Bulls have added Lonzo Ball and DeMar DeRozan to create an intimidating rotation. The Miami Heat made a huge impact by acquiring Kyle Lowry and will be eager to reestablish themselves as title contenders on South Beach. Meanwhile, the Washington Wizards may be a stronger team as a result of the Russell Westbrook deal and the addition of Spencer Dinwiddie.
This summer, a slew of Eastern Conference clubs made significant additions. Indiana, on the other hand, largely stayed the course, with the exception of signing Torrey Craig and selecting Chris Duarte. It also lost Doug McDermott to free agency after trading away Aaron Holiday.
T.J. Warren’s return may have been seen as a way for the Pacers to re-energize the roster, but it’s unclear when that will happen.
Basketball Reference provided the statistics.
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