Vigilant Sports Pacers Podcast

On this episode of the Fieldhouse Files podcast, I’ll catch you up on all that’s transpired with the Pacers over the last two weeks since Las Vegas. They’re still coming down from that high, tired and just 2-5 in games since, but they’re finally getting healthy again. Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays, friends. Among the items discussed on this episode: The team running on fumes because of a brutal stretch with seven games in 12 days, including Las Vegas. How the tournament was a great experience for the Pacers and really good for exposure, especially for Tyrese Haliburton. George McGinnis passed away at 73. Giannis wants his game ball. Andrew Nembhard misses two weeks with injury, then returns in Memphis. Jalen Smith returns after missing 10 games due to multiple injuries. What I saw in Vegas from him. Haliburton being in a rut, averaging four turnovers per game. How they can count on Aaron Nesmith’s hard play, but also his 3-point shot. Pacers in the community. Pacers owner He

LAS VEGAS — On this episode of the Fieldhouse Files podcast, the Pacers are on to the In-Season Tournament championship game against the Lakers. I’ll preview the matchup with Lakers beat writer Jovan Buha of The Athletic, and provide notes + observations from Las Vegas. ----- Follow Scott on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and read his work on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fieldhousefiles.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

On this episode of the Fieldhouse Files podcast,the Pacers beat the Celtics on Monday to advance to the semifinals in Las Vegas. I’m there and will preview their matchup against Bucks. Then, ESPN’s Tim Bontemps joins me to discuss the team. ----- Follow Scott on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and read his work on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fieldhousefiles.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

On this episode of the Fieldhouse Files podcast, a familiar name has taken on more equity in Pacers Sports & Entertainment. I’ll examine the major news that broke Thursday night. Among the items discussed on this episode: 02:03: Steven Rales adding equity in the franchise (from 5 to 20%) 04:08: Steve Simon and more on the family’s public involvement recently 07:06: Statement from Herb Simon 11:08: What’s the value in being a minority owner and who is Steven Rales? 14:42: Recent investments made to and around Gainbridge Fieldhouse ----- Follow Scott on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and read his work on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fieldhousefiles.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

On this episode of the Fieldhouse Files, it's almost opening night. So before a new season, let's go back to last season. It's time for another Championship Conversation, this time with Popeye Jones. He's been in the NBA for over 30 years now, both as a player and a coach. Jones was an assistant for the Pacers from 2013-2020 and is now in his third season on Michael Malone's Nuggets staff. He discussed his coaching journey and the experience of winning the 2023 NBA title. ----- Follow Scott on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and read his work on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fieldhousefiles.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

On this episode of the Fieldhouse Files podcast, the players are holding a mini-camp one week out from training camp, Pacers GM Chad Buchanan speaks ahead of the first practice and Bob Kravitz joins. Among the items discussed on this episode: 00:00: Bennedict Mathurin hosting a youth camp over the weekend. 02:40: One local program becomes the first to hold a team event at Bicentennial Unity Plaza. 03:28: Players hold mini-camp in Nashville. 04:55: Reaction from front office reception; Buchanan talks (click here to watch). Key quote: “… Our ultimate goal is down the road trying to be great — to compete for a championship and be an elite team. And that’s not going to happen right away and we don’t want to skip steps to get there.” 07:40: A conversation with Kravvy, who you can read here, on the team’s wait-and-see approach, competition for minutes, wondering where the veterans fit in, Buddy Hield’s future, Jrue Holiday?, and Indy hosting the All-Star game in February. ----- Follow Scott on ⁠⁠⁠

On this episode of the Fieldhouse Files podcast, I’ll discuss Buddy Hield’s future with the Pacers and what it means in the big picture. Then, my conversation with former Pacer and 2017 NBA Slam Dunk Champion Glenn Robinson III, who is gearing up for a comeback. Among the items discussed on this episode: Daniel Theis in a good spot after helping Germany win Gold. Bicentennial Unity Plaza officially opens and what’s in store. Bally Sports+ being included in a Pacers ticket package. Why did this come up and what Hield is wanting. (9:00) Being a deep threat and his strong relationship with Tyrese Haliburton. What’s his role look like and what path will the Pacers choose? A few ways it could be resolved. 1-on-1 interview with GRIII. (28:55) What he’s been up to and his desire to play again. His dunk course is available at GR3.biz — use code “VIPDUNKFAM” for 25% off. ----- Follow Scott on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and read his work on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fieldhousefiles.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

On this episode of the Fieldhouse Files podcast, Scott Agness catches up with Jarace Walker during a 1-on-1 conversation. Among the items discussed on this episode: Getting involved with business deals off the court Being close with his sisters and sharing his draft night with them Having a procedure on his right elbow and how he’s feeling Settling into Indy His relationship (and on-court battles) with Jannero Pargo Compensation received from new teammate Obi Toppin for No. 1 Gearing up for training camp ----- Follow Scott on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and read his work on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fieldhousefiles.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

“Destination NBA: A G League Odyssey” was produced by Amazon Studios with a runtime of just under two hours. It’s scheduled to debut Monday at 8:00 p.m. ET on Prime Video. And look who’s on the cover for the advertisement on Prime Video? Gabe York — the Mad Ants' all-time leader in 3s in a game (nine), 3s in a season (161) and in franchise history (316). I have not seen an early copy of the documentary, so I’ll be watching for the first time this week and expecting to see plenty of focus on players who both made it to the NBA and others who are so close, but not there yet. The documentary is starring G League Ignite alum Scoot Henderson, plus York and Denzel Valentine (Maine). The success stories include Seth Curry, Spencer Dinwiddie, Gary Payton II and Jalen Green. (Click here for more on York’s story) This was a year-long endeavor for the production crew as they followed players around closely. The Mad Ants, led by general manager Chris Taylor and coach Tom Hankins, welcomed the crew with full access. D

On this episode of the Fieldhouse Files, I recap the Pacers draft and preview free agency, which begins on June 30 with the face of the franchise, Tyrese Haliburton. Among the items discussed on this episode: Completing three draft capital trades in 48 hours Drafting Jarace Walker, Ben Sheppard, Mojave King and Isaiah Wong Insight on IU forward Trayce Jackson-Davis going to Golden State State of the franchise — roster spots, cap space, two-way deals, etc. What Haliburton's extension could look like Targets via trade and in free agency And click here to read my mega free agency primer. ----- Follow Scott on ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠, and read his work on ⁠⁠⁠fieldhousefiles.com⁠⁠⁠.

On this episode of the Fieldhouse Files podcast, I’m talking about the Pacers’ G League affiliate, the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, who are officially moving to Indy, playing home games at a proposed arena in Noblesville, Indiana and will be undergoing a full rebranding. Fort-Wayne based Mad Ants reporter Justin Cohn joins to discuss. Among the items discussed on this episode: Another “very significant day” for Pacers Sports & Entertainment A full breakdown of what went down Monday What this move means to the Mad Ants and Pacers Then, Justin Cohn on how the Pacers failed the Mad Ants (12:00) Pacers Sports & Entertainment ⁠officially bought the Mad Ants on Sept. 9, 2015⁠. ----- Follow Scott on ⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, and read his work on ⁠⁠fieldhousefiles.com⁠⁠.

On this episode of the Fieldhouse Files podcast, let’s review this past season: a 10-win improvement on last year, exceeding expectations but also returning to the script and in the lottery for the third straight offseason. And hopefully it’s for the last time in a decade. Among the items discussed on this episode: Adapting in my 11th season on the Pacers beat A year without expectations, instead about growth and development in Year 2 of a rebuild (5:25) The four who had career seasons (14:45) Two areas that must be improved for next season (23:20) Two of their five draft picks unknown and what to root for (30:00) ----- Follow Scott on ⁠Twitter⁠ and ⁠Instagram⁠, and read his work on ⁠fieldhousefiles.com⁠.

On this episode of the Fieldhouse Files podcast, I’ll get you caught up on a very busy February for the Indiana Pacers. A contract extension, action at the trade deadline and many representatives at All-Star weekend. Among the items discussed on this episode: Pacers being 27-35 — losing 16 of 19 games entering the break Why Myles Turner’s contract extension made sense for both sides Pacers waiving Goga Bitadze, Terry Taylor and James Johnson to complete the trade — then bringing Johnson back Buddy Hield beating Reggie Miller’s record for 3s in a season My Salt Lake City experience The questions to players that were so aggravating on media day Six players representing the franchise, plus over 70 representatives from Indy to scout it out for next year Kendall Brown having season-ending surgery (the news broke during the recording) ----- Follow Scott on Twitter and Instagram, and read his work on fieldhousefiles.com.

On this episode of the Fieldhouse Files, it’s time for a midseason report. TV analyst (and former Pacer) Eddie Gill joins to break down the Pacers’ first 41 games. Among the items discussed on this episode: The 23-18 start and how surprising it has been … to everyone His role as an analyst on Bally Sports Indiana and the Pacers Radio Network (1:25) On the Pacers’ magic in the first three months and quickly coming together (3:45) Impact of Tyrese Haliburton (6:45) How players know their roles and they’re ego-free (11:15) Biggest surprise/breakout player not named Andrew Nembhard (14:00) Rick Carlisle evolving as a head coach (17:30) Getting Chris Duarte involved and going (22:40) Managing and improving on their slow starts (24:30) ----- Follow Scott on Twitter and Instagram, and read his work on fieldhousefiles.com.

On this episode of the Fieldhouse Files, I’ll get you caught up on all that’s happened in the last few weeks with the Pacers, discuss what’s special about this group, Tyrese Haliburton leading the way, considerations at the trade deadline and much more. Among the items discussed on this episode: Change in fan expectations? (2:30) The Pacers’ surprising start and what’s working well (5:45) Strong Pacers representation for each monthly NBA award (9:00) Role players shining and a few players outside the rotation (15:00) Considerations leading up to the trade deadline (17:00) A breakdown of Myles Turner’s situation and future (20:30) Haliburton’s candidacy for the All-Star game (27:30) Chris Duarte trying to recapture his role (30:43) My experience at the G League Showcase (34:30) ----- Follow Scott on Twitter and Instagram, and read his work on fieldhousefiles.com.

On this episode of the Fieldhouse Files, I’ll discuss the Pacers’ great start to the season (10-6) and what’s working. Then, I’ll be joined by Indy’s own Michael Grady, now the television voice of the Minnesota Timberwolves on Bally Sports North. Among the items discussed on this episode: Pacers’ early-season success and the contributing factors (2:30) Bench success and Myles Turner embracing his role (7:43) Notable stats — second in assists, third in 3-pointers (10:50) Grady on his new role and the first month (14:45) His mom passing away on Aug. 8, deciding soon after to take the job (15:30) What he learned from Ian Eagle, who always “meets the moment” (22:10) How he thinks so highly of Slick & Nancy Leonard and is incorporating “BOOM!” into broadcasts (24:30) Pacers finally back on track and committed to excellence? (27:00) ----- Follow Scott on Twitter and Instagram, and read his work on fieldhousefiles.com.

On this episode of the Fieldhouse Files, I’m bringing in a national perspective. I’m joined by Jake Fischer, senior NBA reporter for Yahoo Sports. Among the items discussed on this episode: Jake on how attention and storylines are all on issues off from the court (5:38) His takeaways from The Process after starting on the 76ers beat with Liberty Ballers (11:30) The key for the Pacers and other teams amidst a rebuild (16:45) Pacers being all-in on Tyrese Haliburton — and his maturity (23:10) Why would the Pacers want to deal with the Lakers? (26:20) Pacers’ pursuit of Deandre Ayton (33:00) ----- Follow Scott on Twitter and Instagram, and read his work on fieldhousefiles.com.

On this episode of the Fieldhouse Files, I look back at the first week of games, share my takeaways and other stories you may have missed. Among the items discussed on this episode: Rick Carlisle returning home to celebrate his daughter Abby Myles Turner’s left ankle sprain, how it happened and then returning in Chicago Nuggets from recent stories: Trevelin Queen, Mathurin’s homemade meal, City Edition jersey design confirmed, KP’s message to fans and more. Daniel Theis’ current status (18:40) Team issues from the first week — defense and starts to games (20:00) Player observations (24:43) Bennedict Mathurin’s strong start and a teaching moment (30:27) ----- Follow Scott on Twitter and Instagram, and read his work on fieldhousefiles.com.

On this episode of the Fieldhouse Files, Mel Raines, president and & chief operating officer of Pacers Sports & Entertainment, makes her first appearance on the show. We discussed the significant improvements made to and around Gainbridge Fieldhouse, what the new setup is like and what to expect. “It’s very much a new building that people will be coming back into this fall,” she said. Among the items discussed on this episode: Oct. 4, 2022 being 500 days out from the 2024 NBA All-Star Game. Notable change at training camp and two names I hear repeatedly. How the Pacers will treat the preseason and a few things I’ll be watching for. Then … Mel provides a throughout update on Phase 3 of renovations. (11:30) Dates when certain areas will be completed, including the new Kroger SkyDeck. How the plaza could be utilized — sunrise yoga, happy hour concerts, farmers market, etc. Her path from IU to politics to sports — and now having a significant role. The Details Total of $360 mill

The summer is over for the Pacers… On this episode of the Fieldhouse Files, Tony East of Locked on Pacers joins to discuss the Pacers’ offseason and key storylines entering training camp, which begins on Tuesday. Among the items discussed on this episode: Return of a normal offseason Remaking of the roster, prioritizing durability Committing to a rebuild and finally having a direction What are they going to do about the excess bigs? Is there a role for Goga Bitadze or Daniel Theis? Does it make sense to keep Buddy Hield? Lance Stephenson isn’t coming back; Will James Johnson or Langston Galloway be the vet this team needs? (16:15) Myles Turner … mentioned in trades again … entering a contract year … coming off injuries (21:50) Rick Carlisle entering Year 2 (28:15) ----- Follow Scott on Twitter and Instagram, and read his work on fieldhousefiles.com.