Vigilant Sports Pacers Podcast

Damien Wilkins was released by the Pacers one week ago, just before his contract became guaranteed for the rest of the season. What he did, earning a roster spot, and the impact he was able to have with the Pacers in a little more than four months was special. Here’s a sample from starting center Myles Turner on Wilkins no longer being on the team: [sigh] “… That one hit me home a little bit. For him, it wasn’t like a surprise or a low blow, so I respect that from the organization, but as far as me and him – he just talked to me all year. He’s seen this game a lot over the past years. He just wants me to be the best version of myself I can be. A lot of that is just the mental aspect of it and that’s one thing he helped with me a lot.” Wilkins turned 38 years old last Thursday, and more than half of the team made it to a surprise celebration. His story is a good one, returning to the NBA for the first time since 2013 after stops in Beijing, Puerto Rico, Venezuela and the G League. That last game in 2013, he go

Damien Wilkins knew his fate by 2:00 pm on Saturday, five hours before the Pacers faced the Chicago Bulls at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. What he didn’t know was that he would start in his final game with the team. Bojan Bogdanovic was a late scratch due to a sprained left ankle and head coach Nate McMillan wanted Lance Stephenson to resume playing with the second unit again after he had started in place of an injured Victor Oladipo the past four games. So Wilkins not only played in his final game with the Pacers, but he also started. It was his first start since 2013 — with the Philadelphia 76ers, in Indianapolis of all places. Wilkins met with President Kevin Pritchard and General Manager Chad Buchanan after practice on Sunday. Then, after more than an hour, he met with reporters before taking the elevator down to the first floor of the St. Vincent Center and walking to his car. “I knew yesterday what was happening so it was long day yesterday, as you can imagine, to find out that news before I get to the gym.

Jason Lloyd is one of three beat reporters covering the Cleveland Cavaliers each day. Wherever they are, he is there as well writing the story of the day or an in-depth feature. The Cavaliers, of course, are home to LeBron James, the best athlete in the world — meaning whatever James says will make headlines and be heavily consumed across a variety of platforms. After the Cavaliers’ 2016 NBA Title, coming back from a 3-1 deficit, Lloyd was compelled to write a book on the title and what it took to make it happen – The Blueprint: LeBron James, Cleveland’s Deliverance, and the Making of the Modern NBA. This past offseason, Lloyd made a move of his own from a traditional media outlet (Akron Beacon Journal) to a hot startup (The Athletic). On this podcast, Lloyd talked about his experience covering James and the Cavaliers, and his process to write the book. Subscribe to the Pacers Podcast on Apple Podcasts. I welcome your questions and comments @ScottAgness on Twitter or via email. Topics Discussed: * Covering t

Hosting a second NBA All-Star game has been years in the making for city and Indiana Pacers officials alike. They’ve sent many representatives to the last several All-Star Weekends, Toronto in 2016 and New Orleans in 2017. With the support of owner Herb Simon, the city submitted its bid in style — Larry Bird rode an IndyCar in New York City — back in April. The announcement that Indianapolis will host the 2021 NBA All-Star Game was made official at a Wednesday afternoon press conference held at Bankers Life Fieldhouse with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, and team executives. “We can’t be more excited about it,” said Rick Fuson, the President and Chief Operating Officer of Pacers Sports & Entertainment, told VigilantSports.com. “We’ve been talking to Herb about this for over two years. The bid process took almost a year, then we went to the NBA and turned our bid in in April. “It’s just a great day. To be able to bring an event that has over a $1

Paul George is back in Indianapolis and tonight will sit on the opposing bench for the first time. The Pacers (16-11), winners of four in a row, host the 12-14 Oklahoma City Thunder, who have yet to hit their stride this season. This will be George’s first game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse since informing Pacers officials that he would not be back for the 2018-19 season. He has that ability because he negotiated to have a player option in his contract that he signed back in 2013. Wednesday’s game will be televised nationally on ESPN. VIDEO: Pacers coach Nate McMillan, player discuss facing Paul George After morning shootaround, George spoke to reporters for five minutes. Watch his full comments below:  Transcript: What was it like to walk in here? It was great, good memories here. Was it bizarre visiting the visiting locker room for a change here? I didn’t know [know where it was]. Honestly I didn’t. This was a different feel but it’s just thinking about tonight. You’ve gone through this before with Lance Step

Scot Pollard played in the NBA for five teams over 11 seasons, spanning 1997 through 2008. In his final season, he won a NBA championship with the Boston Celtics. Pollard, 42, lives in Indianapolis and has had no trouble filling the void that is left after basketball. He has dabbled in comedy and will soon launch his own podcast, Planet Pollard. We cover it all in this hour-long conversation. I think you’ll really enjoy hearing from the always entertaining Pollard. He does not disappoint. [Pollard previously appeared on the podcast to discuss his experience on CBS’ Survivor] Subscribe to the Pacers Podcast on Apple Podcasts. I welcome your questions and comments @ScottAgness on Twitter or via email. Topics Discussed: * How he’s staying busy after basketball * Getting involved in comedy shows * Why athletes are terrible gamblers * Whether he considers himself most a part of one franchise * Why his three seasons with the Pacers (2003-06) were a disappointment * How players handle injuries * Chemistry within lo

Kelli Towles is in her 24th year with the Indiana Pacers heading up the community relations department. She is in charge of community outreach, and involving the players to positively impact Central Indiana. There are NBA initiatives, such as Jr. NBA Week and Hoops For Troops, and then there are dozen of events unique to the Pacers. Towles and her team — which includes Darnell “Dr. Dunk” Hillman, Richie Smith, Bobbi Courtright, and Kristina Wedseltoft — field requests, find the right locations and groups to take care of, and then execute the vision. With Thanksgiving coming up on Thursday, Towles is the perfect guest to discuss how the Pacers are giving back and making a positive impact on the community. Subscribe to the Pacers Podcast on Apple Podcasts. I welcome your questions and comments @ScottAgness on Twitter or via email. Topics Discussed: * Her start with the franchise and learning through an internship with the team * The success of Read Like a Pro * Victor Oladipo and Glenn Robinson III pitching an

This is part II of my conversation with Mark Montieth, who has covered the Indiana Pacers for several decades. [Part I – On the Pacers’ encouraging start to the 2017-18 season] Mark recently published “Reborn: The Pacers and the Return of Pro Basketball to Indianapolis” — and it’s a book I recommend for hoops fans in our great state of Indiana. This book documents the challenges for pro basketball to be sustainable in Indiana and the great lengths a group of people went to get it. In this well-researched book, he shares all kinds of facts, photos, and nuggets long before the Pacers existed. This is what led to the ABA Pacers, in fact. We’ll also got into his writing process, being self-published, and how sharp it turned out. Subscribe to the Pacers Podcast on Apple Podcasts. I welcome your questions and comments @ScottAgness on Twitter or via email. Topics Discussed: * Why he was compelled to tell this story * Media access then vs. today * The ongoing theme of attendance being shared and the thirst for hoops

The Pacers are off to a 5-3 start, winners in three consecutive games. They posted wins over San Antonio and Cleveland this week, and newcomer Victor Oladipo was rewarded for his impressive start with the NBA’s Eastern Conference Player of the Week award. Mark Montieth has been on the Pacers’ beat for more than a dozen years, and we sat down for an extensive conversation on what we’ve observed thus far. Subscribe to the Pacers Podcast on Apple Podcasts. I welcome your questions and comments @ScottAgness on Twitter or via email. Topics Discussed: * The Pacers’ rebranding * Domantas Sabonis’ natural skills * A slow start for Lance Stephenson * Why Oladipo has excelled

Reunion week continues for the Pacers. On the second night of back-to-back – after handling the Minnesota Timberwolves (with Jeff Teague and Aaron Brooks) – the Pacers should be fired up as they face Paul George for the first time since dealing him to the Oklahoma City Thunder in late June. George, through his agent, informed Pacers General Manager Kevin Pritchard that he would not be re-signing with the organization that drafted him in 2010 following this season, and would instead opt for free agency. That was a classy gesture. However, word spread across the league that he was determined to play for his hometown team, the Los Angeles — which diminished his trade value. Just six players are back from last year’s roster, headlined by Myles Turner. The Pacers’ starting center, however, is in the concussion protocol and will miss his fourth straight game. Royce Young does a terrific job on the Oklahoma City Thunder beat for ESPN.com. On this podcast, we look ahead to George facing off against his former team an

Max Leinwand is entering his third season as the producer of Pacers telecasts on FOX Sports Indiana. For the second time in three years, they will air all 82 games. Already, they televised two of the four preseason games. I always find it interesting to talk with key individuals behind the scenes that are integral to Pacers games. In Leinwand’s case, who was worked at FOX Sports Midwest since 2005, it’s the picture and presentation that fans consume on television or online with NBA League Pass. In my conversation Leinwand, he talks about his job, and what you can expect from their FSI broadcasts this season. The on-air trio of Chris Denari (12th), Quinn Buckner (19th), and Jeremiah Johnson (4th) are together for their fourth consecutive season, and the broadcasts are directed, as always, by Jamie Berns. Subscribe to the Pacers Podcast on Apple Podcasts. I welcome your questions and comments @ScottAgness on Twitter or via email. Topics Discussed: * His comfort with the FSI team after two seasons * Offseason w

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Mad Ants of the NBA’s G League begin their third year under the operation of Pacers Sports & Entertainment. Owner Herb Simon purchased the franchise back in 2015, and most NBA teams later followed in owning their own development program. The connection between the Pacers and Mad Ants is now close. General Manager Brian Levy communicates daily with the Pacers front office, specifically GM Chad Buchanan. Steve Gansey, who is entering his third year as head coach, sends a report after every game to Pacers head coach Nate McMillan and frequently talks with longtime Pacers assistant Dan Burke. For the first time this season, NBA teams can sign up to two players to two-way contracts. This allows a player to spend up to 45 days with the NBA franchise (not including training camp and the time before G League camp) while earning at least $75,000, three times the salary of the average G League player — which is around just $20,000. The Pacers signed rookie Edmond Sumner to a two-year, two-way

Michael Grady is leaving Indianapolis for the Big Apple. The Warren Central High School product will be the Brooklyn Nets courtside reporter for the YES Network, one of the prestigious broadcast teams in the NBA. “Probably the most anxiety or stress that I’ve had in my life, because it’s a big move,” Grady said of his last few weeks. “A big decision. It’s one that didn’t come easy but it’s one that’s right.” Grady will continue co-hosting The Grady & Big Joe Show, weekdays from 10:00 am to noon on ESPN 1070 The Fan in Indianapolis, wherever he is — his apartment, Nets practice, or another NBA city. But this new job means he will no longer being sitting right at mid-court, at the scorer’s table for all Pacers home games to handle the public address system. He had been the Pacers’ full-time PA announcer since the 2010-11 season, taking over for Reb Porter. [Rare opening: Become the fourth PA announcer in Pacers history] You’ll appreciate Grady’s candidness throughout the podcast. His passion for Indy, the p

Nate McMillan looks at ease, comfortable in his role and with this team. He’s been with the Pacers since 2013 and has coached more than 1,000 games. The reset button was hit on the roster and just two starters return (and six players in all) from last year’s team that bowed out in the first round of the playoffs to Cleveland. Out at the Brickyard Crossing Golf Course Wednesday morning for the annual golf outing that benefits the Pacers Foundation, Nate McMillan first spoke with golfers and then to the media for more than 12 minutes. What was discussed: * Youth, and being a “prove it” year for so many players * How they are going to live by hustle and heart * Potential starters, and who is on the outside * Lance Stephenson being the sixth man * Why he no longer golfs * Al Jefferson dropping weight * Damien Wilkins brought in for leadership Watch his full comments below: Or, if you prefer a condensed version: Highlights from 13 minutes with Pacers coach Nate McMillan … on youth, Lance, and potential lineup.

Fred Jones has mostly remained in Indianapolis since his playing days. He was drafted 14th overall by the Pacers out of the University of Oregon in 2002 and spent four years with the franchise. He then played four more years with four different teams. This summer, Jones started Shoot 360 in Indianapolis, which is “shaping the future of basketball development through interactive technology that allows our athletes to test, train, track, and compete like never before.” It is a relatively new company currently with four franchises; the other three are on the west coast (Washington, Oregon, and California). The grand opening in Indy was on June 3, 2017. Inside his facility on the north west side of Indy at 8090 Georgetown Road, Jones has one NBA-regulation floor, and then dozens of hoops. Each hoop is attached to a big monitor that will keep track of makes and provide continuous instruction. There’s also interactive screens that offer games to practice passing skills and more. (Jones also has an ownership stake

The Indiana Pacers’ new $50 million practice facility, the St. Vincent Center, officially opens for business on Monday, August 28. The organization will hold a ribbon cutting at 1:15 pm on Thursday (Aug. 24) with local dignitaries: Governor Eric Holcomb, Mayor Joe Hogsett, and team officials. Many members of the Pacers’ basketball operations staff are already working out of the St. Vincent Center, a state-of-the-art 130,000-square-foot facility featuring two basketball courts, a sizable training and weight room upgrade, a barbershop, and more. PHOTOS: Visual update from August 7 Floors 4 and 5 of this facility, which was privately financed, will be for St. Vincent’s use. It is open to the public with primary care services, preventive care, and they will offer cardiovascular services. On this podcast, I visited with Ralph Reiff, the Executive Director of St. Vincent Sports Performance. If there’s a major sporting event in Indianapolis, like the Final Four, Big Ten Football Championship, and Swimming & Divi

After two years in Indianapolis and on the Pacers beat for the Indianapolis Star, Nate Taylor is moving away. That’s because he’s able to move back home to Kansas City. His wife, Holly, accepted a senior design job at Barkley, one of the largest independent advertising agencies in the United States. This doesn’t mean, however, that Nate is moving out of journalism. Appropriately, I treated this podcast as an exit interview for Nate, who I’ve gotten to know over the last two years covering the Pacers. Subscribe to the Pacers Podcast on Apple Podcasts. I welcome your questions and comments @ScottAgness on Twitter or via email. Topics Discussed: * Their decision to move back home to Kansas City * His career journey thus far through Boston, New York, South Florida, Indiana * Favorite NBA arenas to visit * The Paul George Saga * Covering Lance Stephenson * What’s next for him…

The Pacers’ brand isn’t the only thing getting refreshed …the team’s roster is, too. Kevin Pritchard was promoted to General Manager and he had the challenge of trading Paul George, and he did so just before free agency. Then, he swiftly worked to remake the roster. That work is ongoing. The Pacers currently have 13 players under contract for the 2017-18 season. They will look very different next season, with as many as four new starters. Myles Turner is the only one sharpie’d into the starting lineup. On this podcast, I catch you up on most of what has occurred over the last month. Subscribe to the Pacers Podcast on iTunes. I welcome your questions and comments @ScottAgness on Twitter or via email. Topics Discussed: * All of the Pacers’ moves in free agency * Just six players are left from last season’s 42-40 team * How six more players from last season remain free agents * Contract flexibility for next offseason * Lance Stephenson being the face of the Pacers’ rebranding campaign

Jamelle McMillan is excelling as a coach in the NBA. It wasn’t his plan, but it worked out that way. Jamelle, 28, is the son of Pacers head coach Nate McMillan. He remembers watching his dad play growing up, and was a ball boy for Nate’s Seattle SuperSonics team. The two also worked together with USA Basketball in 2012 when Nate was an assistant. “This game has provided so much for me and my family,” Jamelle said. The youngest McMillan played four years of college basketball at Arizona State University (2007-11), where he averaged 7.2 points, 3.9 assists and 2.5 rebounds during his senior season as the team captain. He then remained in hoops as a Director of Basketball Operations at Drake University, and a year later was hired on Monty Williams’ staff in New Orleans. His title was “coaching intern,” but it was a great start being in his early twenties. After two seasons, Jamelle was promoted to player development coach and later to assistant coach, now under Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry. This summer, Jamelle h

Georges Niang, the 50th pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, still has a lot to show. His rookie season is behind him, though he didn’t get much of an opportunity nor did he make much of it. The 6-foot-8 forward averaged 0.9 points and 0.7 rebounds in 23 appearances during the 2016-17 season where the Pacers finished 42-40. He made several trips north to Fort Wayne to play for their Development League team, the Mad Ants. And after January, Niang played a total of five minutes for the Pacers. Summer League in Orlando was supposed to be a time for Georges to show what he can do. The first time, last summer, can be overwhelming as it comes after the draft and shortly after rookie/free agent camp. It’s a lot at once. This time with one year under his belt Niang was ready … only to suffer a bone bruise in his left knee 87 seconds into the first game. He was then ruled out for the rest of the games. Subscribe to the Pacers Podcast on iTunes. I welcome your questions and comments @ScottAgness on Twitter or via email. Topics