October 21, 2025 • 35 mins
Today’s Best of Features:
(00:00-11:17) – ESPN.com’s Stephen Holder makes a brief appearance on the show to provide an update on some of the injured Colts players from Sunday’s win over Los Angeles. He also accesses whether the Colts will use the franchise tag this offseason on Daniel Jones or Alec Pierce and doesn’t believe that Chris Ballard will make a trade ahead of the deadline.
(11:17-27:07) – Scott Agness from Fieldhouse Files joins the show to preview the start of the season for the Indiana Pacers with Jake Query. How many points will Bennedict Mathurin average? What all went into the Pacers decision to not extend him? Plus, Scott identifies who could be a surprising team in the NBA this season.
(27:07-35:28) – ESPN’s Bobby Marks joins Query & Company to share his thoughts on the extension the Pacers were able to sign Aaron Nesmith to yesterday. He highlights why Jaden Ivey and Bennedict Mathurin didn’t receive extensions before the deadline, lists some of the things he likes and doesn’t like about the current state of the Pacers, and believes the Toronto Raptors are a sleeper team in the Eastern Conference.
Support the show: https://1075thefan.com/query-and-company/
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Steven Holder is with ESPN dot com. He joins us
on the Java House, Peel and Poor Guest line, and
of course has been out at the Colts complex. Uh, Steven,
I'm going to begin with something that we were just
talking about earlier, and it's a little off the beaten
path perhaps and maybe even ahead of the game, but
thinking about Aaron Nesmith and the Pacers announcing, you know,
(00:21):
his extension within their franchise, I look at Alec Pierce
and he is clearly becoming a piece that the Colts
are going to want to maintain. Then you get into
the financials of it, that's probably well beyond our pay grade.
But do you believe that it's possible there are players
on the roster that will agree to restructure in order
(00:43):
to make things like that possible.
Speaker 2 (00:47):
That's an interesting question. I think it would. It would
kind of depend on on where they're at, you know,
with with Daniel Jones after the season and what that
contract looks like, because I mean, at this point, right
we're working under the assumption that that's going to happen
unless Daniel Jones for some reason wants to go somewhere else, Right,
(01:10):
But I think that's going to be the big piece
of the puzzle. And then how many of these veteran
players from this cores they intend to keep next year,
which is an impossible question to answer and all that,
but I think the problem with Alec Parris, and it's
not a problem, it's just a reality, right The reality
with Alec Pearce is that it is going to be expensive,
(01:34):
probably more than people realize.
Speaker 3 (01:36):
All Right.
Speaker 2 (01:37):
Right now, Michael Pittman Junior is around what twenty one
twenty two million a year? I think he in terms
of this particular season, he might have the biggest cap
number on the team. Even so, I'm not saying Alex
Pearis is going to be the same sort of money,
but I think we're getting to that point where he's
(01:57):
going to be in the ballpark of that range, and
or at least potentially. So if that's the case, that
becomes this is the reality. How much money are you
spending at wide receiver? And I don't know what the
right answer is, but I'm just telling you that that
has to be part of the equation. I will tell
you when they thought they had something in ad Mitchell,
(02:21):
and they still might we're talking about a year from now.
They were very much of the opinion that they were
moving on from alex Paris after this year. No disrespected him,
just the reality. What I wonder is whether that's changed
with the ad Mitchell dynamics.
Speaker 4 (02:36):
Steven, when you guys talked to Chris Ballard about different things,
free agency, money, franchise tag, it's always we'll work through
that and we'll use the franchise tag as a tool. Potentially,
if you had to guess, would you say that the
franchise tag will be used this offseason, whether that's on
Alan Pears, Daniel Jones, Nick Cross, Braden Smith, or whomever.
Speaker 2 (02:59):
I I think you have to hold on to it
for for Jones in particular, I think elsewhere you probably
roll the dice. I don't know that they are gonna
have been over backwards to do it with anyone else
or feel the necessity. I think you have to hold
on to it though, up until the last minute, as
(03:20):
a tool with the Daniel Jones negotiation, because if that
if that deal is not done by the time you
get Depending on where you sit and depending on how
you feel about those negotiations, I think you have to
do it.
Speaker 1 (03:40):
I just do.
Speaker 2 (03:41):
I think you have to assign a tag, you can
always pull it back, right, you pull it back, you
do the deal when you're reach an agreement, and then
everybody walks away happy. It may it may end up
working out like that. And it's no, it's no like,
it's nothing personal if they hit you with the tag.
It's really just it's to give the team flexibility. It
is an advantage for the team and a disadvantage for
(04:03):
the player, There's no question about that. But it's also
not like, you know, it's not the end of the
world if they do tag you, if in fact they're
trying to legitimately do a deal with you in good faith.
And I think that will be the case with Daniel Jones.
I think it may come to that, And that's what
I would set it aside for is for.
Speaker 1 (04:22):
Jones, Stephen, where do we stand for the Colts right
now on this? And I realized it's a Tuesday, so
perhaps it's early to know, But where do we stand
health wise in terms of those that we still might
be waiting on or those that we would expect to
be seeing now here against Tennessee?
Speaker 2 (04:41):
Well, let's see. I mean the big question, I guess
is this what we're talking since and that ebbucom I
do think now that the Colts haven't said this, but
the indications are that he will miss some time at
least this week beyond that. Yes, an mcl spring, I
(05:03):
guess is what we're thinking. It is what the word is.
And here's why that's problematic. It's not that Sampson edbucom
Is is prime, you know, von Miller or anything. It's
just that the depth on the defensive line, on defense
in general, the death on defense generally, it's really poor
right now because of injuries and you know, you can
(05:25):
only hold on so long because and this is compounded
by the loss of Taekwon Lewis. He's got a groin strain.
I don't know what his status is. I talk to
him after the game, and he said he just couldn't
push through it. He tried. He just said, you know,
those are painful. You know, he just kind of one
of those things you kind of get split apart there.
(05:47):
And uh, you know a lot of groin strings in
this town this year, right So, Uh, it's it's tough.
It's really tough to maneuver into and to change direction
and things like things like that. So I don't know
what his status is, But I think those two guys
are big questions for me, as I said, because I
think they are core pieces of the rotation, and if
(06:09):
they are gone now you are digging deeper into the
depth chart, as you are already doing in the defensive backfield,
and that has had consequences obviously. So defensive depth is
my question right now? How are they doing? They're not great?
Speaker 1 (06:23):
Okay, what about defensive pass rush? Are they going to
make a move before the trade deadline?
Speaker 2 (06:32):
I predict they probably won't, just because I don't think
those deals are are necessarily as as plentiful as people think.
They're just not now. And then the other factor I
should say is that that has not been Chris Ballard's
mo ever, right. If anything, he's a seller, a not
(06:54):
a buyer. However, I think this is such a unique year.
They have such an opportunity here and they've never been here.
They're the best record in the NFL. I mean, when
have we been able to say that through seven weeks
they have such a good team, they have the best
record in the league. They have This is a I guess,
(07:16):
a situation where history kind of doesn't matter, meaning like
Chris Ballard's history. You know his tendencies and all that.
I don't know that they matter at this point because
this is a unique situation and an unprecedented situation for him.
So I say all that to say, I think it's
still a possibility, if not a likelihood, I think it's
(07:40):
more likely than usual. I still don't think it's necessarily likely.
If that makes any sense, Yeah, it does.
Speaker 1 (07:47):
Stephen Holder, our guest ESPN dot Comedy's on the Java
House Pilamport guest line. Stephen the you know, offensively speaking,
what the cults are doing, and this really is remarkable.
What they are doing is nearly historic. I mean of
the last twenty five years, their points per possession, their
(08:07):
offensive efficiency, their ability in so many different ways to
move the football. With all of that to me, and
I want you to tell me if you think this
is almost by design. It's great that they score a
lot of points, but more so they are controlling the football.
They're not turning it over. But they have big strike capability.
(08:32):
But is it somewhat by design of Shane Steichen to
just chew clock and keep other teams at bay and
not allowing opposition to get in rhythm?
Speaker 2 (08:43):
So I don't think it's necessarily a tactic. I think
what you're seeing is happening by default because of something
you just said, because of their efficiency. So what do
I mean It means they don't have a lot of
turnovers on downs? Well, they get a lot of first downs, right,
I think they leave the NFL in first downs, so
(09:03):
they convert. They also they sustain drives just generally because
they're not turning it over. So all of the things
that kill drives, penalties, all that stuff, turnovers, drops, all
of that, all the things that kill drives, those are
the things they've managed to avoid. So if you do that,
(09:25):
you are going to possess the football and you are
going to have eight, nine, ten, eleven play drives because
that's the way most drives up. Most scoring drives end
up happening that way. The problem is, most drives get
killed for a number of reasons. The Colts, for whatever reason,
they've avoided all of those pitfalls much better than other teams.
(09:50):
And that's why I kind of think this is sustainable.
I mean, that becomes something of an identity of who
you are. You're the team that doesn't screw it up
even weekly.
Speaker 1 (10:01):
Let go ahead.
Speaker 2 (10:02):
I'm sorry, No, No, that's it. I think that's the answer.
It's not intentional, but it's it's a product of who
they are and how they're playing.
Speaker 1 (10:11):
Okay, lastly, in short, with tennessee here at home at
no disrespect to the Titans, but with an opponent at
home that inferior, does that, in any way, shape or
form impact the rapidity with which guys may come back
from injury, or does it give them, in the back
of their mind the flexibility of holding guys out to
(10:32):
be cautious.
Speaker 2 (10:35):
So they haven't operated that way generally this year. I
think they're taking the long view with their injuries. You know,
look at the Kenny Moore situation, like they they gave
him a full three weeks and he was able to
come back and be effective. Could he have rushed maybe.
I don't think they look at it that way. I
think they're looking at it just in terms of the
long view, and that is the right way to look
(10:56):
at it. I think forget the opponent. It's really about
having these guys down the stretch and whatever it takes
to do that, that's what they should do.
Speaker 1 (11:04):
Stevenholder ESPN dot Com, Java House peeling poor guest line.
Steven appreciate it as always man, all right, you got it.
Are a busy day for Steven Holder and appreciate working
us in joining us now in the Java House peeling
poor guest line he is with field House file Scott Agnes.
Scott will beg in with the big news and that
is I thought, really good news for Indiana, extending Aaron Nesmith.
(11:28):
And what's funny is feel free to tell me that
I'm wrong. Even in nearly doubling his salary, Aaron Nesmith,
I think is still a bargain your thoughts.
Speaker 5 (11:37):
Yeah, good afternoon, Jake, no question. I mean, especially as
we're going to continue to see the salary cap rise
as expected roughly ten percent annually. It feels like in
NBA terms, this is going to feel like in a
couple of years like a four million dollar guy, which
is like an extreme bargain. So for Aaron, he gets
the stability, the guarantees, the know how that he's going
(11:59):
to be under contract for the next four years, and
from the Pacers side, it also gives him clarity knowing
the guys that they have under contract. This one ties
him with Tyrese Haliburton for four more years as well,
and so it's a good thing all around.
Speaker 1 (12:14):
Where did things stand in part of my asking this
Scott with nim Hard, I can't remember if he was
recently extended or he is up soon?
Speaker 5 (12:22):
Do you recall, Yeah, so it was last summer the Pacers.
He was one of the guys that the Pacers were
able to do a deal with. It was a three
year extension last July. He was like one of six
guys that got paid after that run to the conference finals.
He was able to do it the previous year because
he was not a first round pick, so his contract
(12:42):
was a little bit different. Bring that to present terms.
Benedict Matheren was here recently eligible for a contract extension
that has now expired. So he'll play this year out
on the final year of his rookie deal and he
will become the big question going into next summer, much
like it was kind of at this time it was
probably Isaiah Jackson coming off his rookie deal.
Speaker 1 (13:03):
Okay, So that means if I'm writing this down, okay,
if we're looking at let's say, you know this year,
we know the realities of this year. Next year you
have Halliburton back in the mix okay, and then let's
say the year after that. So Halliburton now has had
one full year of playing, you know, so, in other words,
(13:24):
in two seasons, Nie Smith is locked in for that year. Correct, Yes,
ty Reese is locked in for that year. Would that
be the final year of Sam or to siakam is
next season? Seacom's last year.
Speaker 6 (13:40):
Has two more years after this one.
Speaker 1 (13:42):
Okay, So you got Sam for that and then Nim
you said, Nim Hart. Okay, Nie Smith? Now what about
there are two others here, Obi Toppin.
Speaker 5 (13:56):
Obi Toppin re signed the last summer that will run
through the twenty twenty seven twenty twenty eight season. So
you can see the similar timeline here. I mean, they're
aligning all around this right now. The question becomes do
you believe Scott? And we didn't mention this earlier, and
perhaps I should have. If you look at Benedict Mathern
(14:17):
and the decision by the Pacers to still wait, is
that partially because perhaps they want to see where Jeris
Walker and Johnny Furfey are, or even Ben Shephard, to
see how they want to distribute, maybe even trying to
lock in say two of those guys as opposed to
just one with Matheren who you think is going to
be big ticket or is that me way over thinking
(14:39):
the math. I think that's a factor, but I'd probably
put it down the list just a couple. I think,
first of all, it's at this time of year right now,
on a rookie year contract, rookie scale contract, it's in
favor of the teams. So that's why you see a
Nie Smith bargain type deal getting done. If you're Benedict Mathern,
you see what's ahead of you, Jake, you see a
(15:02):
greater role being in the starting lineup, the team needing
him to do more at both ends of the floor.
If you're a guy that doesn't is not desperate for
that stability and is willing to bet on yourself. As
we know, Bennedict, probably more than any other pacer player
is is able to do that because he's a restrictive
free agent. So from a team standpoint, the Pacers win
(15:23):
with his upside if he grows and his incredible as
an All Star, the Pacers can still match any offer
out there. But on the other side of it, I
think the number one factor in all this and Nie
Smith helps provide some of that clarity for this front
office is to understand at what point does this how
expensive does this team get and do they need to
go into the luxury tax and at what level there?
(15:45):
So I think with Matherin, there's no reason unless you
have a deal that suits both sides to get it
done right now, because the Pacers have that option coming
next summer where you're only going to have a handful
of teams probably that will have enough money to compete
with you at that juncture.
Speaker 1 (16:04):
Scott Agnes is our guest. He is on the Java
House Peel and Port guest line Jake twenty five Jaka
E two five Jake twenty five four twenty five percent
off at Java house dot com. Scott, when you look
at this season and maybe this goes once we get
into the year, but in your anticipation, in the work
(16:25):
that you've done for Fieldhouse Files and reading about it
and just analyzing where the Pacers are, do you believe
that this year for Rick Carlisle, for Kevin Pritchard, Chad Buchanan,
do you think they are going into this saying we
are doing everything we can to sustain and maintain our
(16:45):
replacement amongst the top, or do you think they're saying
this is a year that we now have been blessed
with this opportunity to get minutes and analysis of guys
that otherwise we might not have been able to to do.
Speaker 5 (17:00):
With you, Jake, my sense, it's the first one within reason,
within their capabilities. They want to compete at the highest
level and continue to show that everybody's wrong. Like I
was stunned, I don't know about you, like the fact
that Vegas last time I looked, had the Pacers at
thirty six and a half wins. I see this team
bearing injury to be well above that, certainly north of
(17:23):
forty and in the in the playoffs, is my mind. Now,
things can can go a ride just based off injuries
like we saw at the beginning of last season. But
this team is by no means just happy to be
here going through the motions. And you're using a term
I used several years ago, a year of discovery, right
in reference to Johnny Furfree Walker, et cetera. I don't
(17:44):
think that's at all the case, is what I'm gathering.
Speaker 1 (17:48):
I'm going to give you a couple of players, and
I want you to tell me whether you believe, and
this is assuming that they're healthy. Okay, so win healthy.
I'm gonna give you some players, and I want you
to tell me the minutes that they see this year,
whether you think it is more than last year, fewer
than last year, or the same. Okay, Jerris Walker, I
(18:11):
would say more. Okay, Ben Shephard.
Speaker 5 (18:17):
About the same, except the start of the season, I think,
but about the same.
Speaker 1 (18:22):
Johnny Furfey more interesting, Okay. TJ McConnell about the same.
And then after that you get into Okay, Obie Toppin.
Speaker 6 (18:38):
I think definitely more.
Speaker 1 (18:39):
Yeah, because top and they use, they will use in
a couple different ways, will they not.
Speaker 5 (18:44):
That's the thought here right now. With center being among
your biggest concerns. I know it's a blimp. We only
saw you know, handful of preseason games, but that seemingly
was their most effective center was Obi and then running
small at the other positions.
Speaker 1 (18:58):
Okay, starting center will be.
Speaker 6 (19:00):
Isaiah Jackson to start the season.
Speaker 1 (19:02):
And you believe Isaiah Jackson will be essentially a rebounding
and defensive center or a guy that becomes a staple
within their offense as well.
Speaker 5 (19:14):
No, I think that I think that position will be
the fifth option. Offensively, Yeah, yeah, yeah, there's a lot
he still has to grow into from a development standpoint,
But the thing I highlight most about him is his
rim running ability and get out and transition in that versatility.
That's a little bit different dynamic than we saw from
(19:36):
Miles Turner to Scott.
Speaker 4 (19:37):
To kind of connect the two conversations, the Benedict Mathery
not getting any extension in the future of him with
the franchise in the current center position. Could the aspect
of the Pacers not wanting to sign him now also
be because they're looking to potentially spend money to get
a center that is paired that pairs well with Harry's Haliburton.
Speaker 5 (19:58):
So from a from a fit standpoint, I think the
number one thing in all this is just you couldn't
agree to terms like Matherin you assume thinks highly of himself.
I want a type of a max deal. I want
a big money offer. Pacers on the other side have
to account for all those different contracts, say of on
their books. He's been a role player, has not emerged
(20:18):
at just yet in that starting role. But yes, you're
one hundred percent right to me that would be the
secondary piece in all this after the money, is does
he fit with this team? Does he allow Haliburton to
play his game? How does he surround the rest of
the guys. Is it just a good fit, because at
least initially, as we all know, the first couple years,
it was somewhat of a mismatch a little bit right
(20:39):
just in desired playing styles. But Matherin is locked in
more than any player I've heard about in camp right now.
So I'm intrigued to see how he plays and how
he settles in now as a more mature, confident player
within Rick Carlisle's system.
Speaker 1 (20:55):
Yeah, I just I feel bad for Matherin because you know,
he's kind of in this stuck place. Scott. And you
tell me if you disagree with this. If he has
a year this year where he averages twenty one a game,
I think he's probably more like eighteen. But you know whatever,
then they're gonna and one would think in the NBA
(21:16):
that means you get a big payday. But there are
gonna be people that are gonna say, well, he got
that because he was in a place where you know,
he was the designated score because somebody had the score
while they hold serve and then on the other side
of that, if he thinks that Indiana is the place
that will pay him because of that production. There still
is an element of the fact that it kind of
(21:39):
feels like he's a really nice sports car that is
sleek and fun, but the Pacers are living in Montana
where you can't go over forty five because the roads
are too.
Speaker 6 (21:52):
Hilly, you know what I mean?
Speaker 1 (21:54):
It just it just doesn't It just feels like I
don't know why I say this about Matherin because I
like him. I don't know him as a guy, but
he seems like a nice guy. He has been at
times a really fun player to watch, and he's been
a very reliable player at times. But it does feel
like he is the one player that his game when flourishing,
(22:17):
it comes at the cost of the motion or the
style that Indiana most thrives on. Would you agree with that.
Speaker 5 (22:29):
Yeah, I think that's absolutely fair. But I do think
he's done a good job. And you know, second part
of last season in particular, is what it stood out
to me of adapting more and leaning more in and
and doing exactly what the coaching staff was seemingly asking
of him and so I go back going too this season, thinking, look,
if he can thrive this year, and I think he'll
probably be the second leading scorer. I see probably a
(22:52):
Siakam at twenty three points in Matherin at twenty one.
It seems most likely to me right now. But just
think you throw Haliburton back into that and that opens
things up for everybody else. So that means in large
part it could be even more open for him come
following seasons. But look, you're always gonna have change within
(23:13):
the NBA. And with Tyree's coming back, then what does
it mean for Matheren? Does it mean Nemhart's back in
the starting line? Stays in the starting line? Like, There's
so many different levels to all of this. But you're right,
That's why I think from a individual standpoint, Mathern is
the most interesting character in this upcoming scene.
Speaker 1 (23:29):
Yeah, and Scott, we both should point out, in fairness
to Scott, to Benedict mather and Scott Agnes our guest
from field House Files on the Java House Peeling poor
guest line, there is none of this is in any way,
shape or form an indictment on the person or the
teammate of Benedict Mathern, there is zero evidence of that
being an issue at all.
Speaker 5 (23:49):
Right, Yeah, no, No, you're completely leaning into stylistically and
how do you maximize the player's best traits and does
it align with the team's best traits? I think is
That's what I'm gathering. That's totally been the conversation with
Matherin always.
Speaker 1 (24:04):
Do you think lastly, Scott, I mean it's been It
doesn't seem long ago that we're sitting here doing weekly
chats with Austin Kroscher, you know, in the playoffs talking
about the possibility of how close it is to a
title and Achilles and Haliburton and all of it doesn't
seem long ago at all. It wasn't long ago. It
was the shortest postseason we've ever seen. Obviously, does that
(24:29):
change the way the Pacers at the beginning of the
year play or Look.
Speaker 6 (24:35):
That's a very good question.
Speaker 5 (24:36):
The other one I would add to that that I
would like to ask Jacob is how did it impact
training camp because the usage rate and in terms of
how much these players to wear and tear.
Speaker 6 (24:46):
Look, tomorrow will mark.
Speaker 5 (24:48):
Four months from that last finals game. That is not
a short turnaround at all. I mean most of these players,
Jake will take a month, month and a half and
do nothing substantial, maybe just weight room and that's about it.
Then get into their off season. And so the other
big thing in all this that I don't have the
answer to is how did all these players off season
(25:10):
training change their regimen to adapt to that longer season.
With all this now, how I would guess and all
this is they're going to try to ease into this
first month of the season from a minute standpoint and
take it a little bit more cautious viewpoint. Get At
the same time, you can't hold these players back a ton,
but I would keep a stern eye on your guys
(25:32):
coming back from an Achilles, like Isaiah Jackson and James Wiseman.
You don't want them playing significant minutes or maybe long runs.
Maybe it's five minutes seven minute bursts out there, but
that's where you trust your medical staff. The Pacers have
five athletic trainers and you got to lean into that.
Speaker 4 (25:47):
Who's the favorite of the Eastern Conference?
Speaker 1 (25:50):
Is it Cleveland?
Speaker 5 (25:51):
I think by default Eddiot's got to be Cleveland just
given what they did during the regular season. Knowing how
they're leaning highly into this roster got the largest tax bill,
and obviously they have an ax to grind after really
struggling there in that postseason. But I mean after that,
and I think it's it's a toss up. Maybe other
(26:12):
than New York. I think it's easily Cleveland and New
York one two.
Speaker 1 (26:15):
Who could be this year's Indiana?
Speaker 5 (26:20):
Maybe Orlando in the Eastern Conference. Orlando's the team that
I really like to buy into.
Speaker 1 (26:26):
What about Atlanta?
Speaker 5 (26:29):
I think I need to give it another year. I mean, look,
you're still dealing with the Trey Young down there, and
I'm not a big believer in building around him, just
like Philly. For Philly, it's believe it when once I
see it with him. We've been talking about them being
contenders for ten years and nothing's come to fruition there.
Speaker 1 (26:47):
So trust the process. Philly, You're fifteen of the process.
Speaker 6 (26:53):
Right and it never got him to the final.
Speaker 1 (26:55):
I know Scott will have all of the coverage Fieldhouse
files Pacers. He's in getting underway Thursday night with Oak City.
Appreciate it, Scott, all right, thanks guys. Scott Agnes joining
us field House. Big news is the Pacers have given
a contract extension to Aaron Nesmith, but that means Nie
Smith in the mix now in terms of when you're
(27:16):
looking at Tyre's Haliburton coming back, same too with Andrin
Imhard Pascal Siakam, and you got to kind of align
those things to talk about that and more. He joins
us now on the Java House Peel and Poor Guest line.
Of course you see him on ESPN. He has been
on this radio show many a times, has always appreciated
NBA front office insider for ESPN, Bobby Marks joining us. Bobby,
(27:38):
I will get first and foremost right to this meat
of the matter, and that is this Nie Smith deal.
I think seems even still like a bargain with him
doubling his price tag because I just think he's the
kind of guy that championship teams have a guy like
a Nie Smith that can Swiss army knife it a
little bit, but it is a lot of money. Is
(28:00):
it going to be a deal by the time this
deal is.
Speaker 3 (28:03):
Done, yeah, I mean it's still a value deal. I
mean he still has two years left at eleven million
dollars per year and then this this doesn't kick in
until twenty twenty seven to twenty eight. I think you
have to you have to remember, as the salary cap grows,
so do the numbers. You know, it's going to be
comparable to the non taxman level exception, which is basically
(28:26):
the average players salary here. So it's it's a great
deal right now, it will be The deal will be
fine when he when it comes to fruition two years
from now. Now they get him on the contract for
about four years.
Speaker 1 (28:39):
How big a challenge is it for teams to you know?
In other words, I realize that playing the rules of
the salary cap, that's one thing, right, but managing as
Indiana is doing, Bobby, And you tell me if I'm
off base here, but it seems as though Indiana is
being very strategic and making sure that they are aligning contracts.
(29:00):
You get players in prime at the same time, already
locked in and not having to deal with it. Right,
how rare is.
Speaker 3 (29:08):
Off That's a great point. I mean, I think, you know,
it's funny when when these new rules came into play
a couple of years ago, you know, everyone had pointed
to as a team that if there was a blueprint
how to build a roster, let's remove Oklahoma City from
the equation a little bit. But to build a roster
where you have, yeah, your two main guys with Tyres
(29:29):
and Pascal, and then you have everyone that kind of
fills in. Now. The question was going to be what
happens when you had to pay players, whether it be
Benedict matherin a year from now and when contract came up.
And they've done a they've done a really good job.
I mean they've they've been extra aggressive with extensions. When
you look at Nie Smith and them, Hart, Halliburt and
(29:52):
McConnell all signing deals, and what the CBA does either
you prioritize your own players and there's kind of a
packing from a salary perspective, and they've done a good
job from a from a now standpoint, but also looking
forward to, like in you know, the next two to three.
Speaker 1 (30:09):
Years, Bobby, as you look at it with the Pacers
and there are a couple of other players I had
questions about. But I wanted your thought on this. Knowing
that Halliburton is out, knowing that Turner now is in Milwaukee.
If you were Indiana we were talking about this earlier,
would you take this year as look, we're still going
to try to just maintain same high level. So that
(30:31):
there's not as much a drop off, or do you
take advantage of this year by seeing what you have
on a Johnny Furfey, by analyzing furthermore where Jaris Walker is,
by getting more minutes from Ben Shepherd, et cetera.
Speaker 3 (30:46):
Yeah, I think, you know, especially with Rick, I think
you're you're probably going to see a little bit of
a longer leash with with some of those younger players,
the bench players that maybe the opportunity wouldn't be there
if you still had my in Tyrish was his health here,
And I think that's that's the beauty of it, when
there's nobody that's really expecting much from you. I think
(31:08):
in the Eastern Conference it allows, especially this year, that
it will allow you to stay in it and then
you can kind of evaluate where your roster is going
to be, probably some time in January February here. But yeah,
I do think it's going to be an opportunity. I
think the one I would say my one concern would
be your your your depth at the guard position, especially
(31:29):
with the McConnell injury. You know, somebody you relied a
lot on last year and you know I was looking
at with Nemhart, you know, he's never averaged a year
where he's averaged more than thirty minutes per game, and
I think there's gonna be a little bit of a
workload him. So your death is going to be important
as far as you know, how this team goes this year,
(31:50):
especially at the guard position.
Speaker 1 (31:52):
Were you surprised they did not offer extension to Benedict
Madaren And do you believe he will be a coveted
player if he hit free agency?
Speaker 3 (32:01):
Yeah, I wasn't surprised. I think for if you're Indiana
and you're gonna see it this year, I mean it's
kind of you know, it's gonna go one way or another.
I think there's an expanded role for him with the injuries,
whether it be starting or play significant minutes coming off
the bench. So I wasn't I wasn't totally surprised that
there wasn't a deal. And and you know, don I
(32:22):
always say Ricky, extension is the hardest things because from
from the team perspective, you're not competing against anybody. It's
just the clock on Monday, Monday, late in the day here.
So I think when he gets into restricted free agency,
we saw this past year that became pretty daunting for
where the Josh Gittis and Quinton Grimes and Cam Thomas
and Jonathan Minga. The market does get a little bit
(32:45):
better next year, but we haven't seen you know, we
haven't seen a team come in with with a significant
offer sheet in like you know, three or four years here.
That might change, but we'll see. Well, you know that's
Indiana will have the weigh that when he gets and
to restrict a free agency.
Speaker 1 (33:01):
Jade and Ivy, were you surprised by the fact that
Detroit did not extend him.
Speaker 3 (33:07):
I wasn't because he's just had his knee scope. He
came when he's coming off that injury.
Speaker 1 (33:13):
Last year.
Speaker 3 (33:13):
He just had the knee scope. Here, I think you
know him and Dorian, you know, as far as two
guys at work extension eligible. Here's a team that is
expecting a lot out of especially for what they did
last year. So no surprise with with the Ivy no extension.
Speaker 1 (33:28):
Who could be this year's Indiana in the East.
Speaker 2 (33:32):
Oh, that's a good question.
Speaker 3 (33:33):
You know, I'm pretty high in Toronto.
Speaker 1 (33:36):
I think the.
Speaker 3 (33:36):
Raptors are intriguing to me, just because they went out
and got brandon Ingram at the deadline. We never We
haven't seen Brandon Ingram since the days and New Orleans
and your returner roster that has Scottie Barnes and r J.
Barrett and Emanuel Quickly that Jacob Pertle that hasn't been
relatively healthy here, They've got the talent. I don't want
(33:56):
to say, you know a team that can get to
an Eastern Conference finals or an NBA finals, but I
do think they have the talent that they can sneak
up on teams.
Speaker 1 (34:03):
Okay, lastly, Bobby Mark's our guest ESPN. He's on the
Java House Peel and Port guest line. Lastly, Bobby Indiana.
At least from the Indiana standpoint, it felt like Rick
Carlisle's offense, the style that Indiana played and the pacing
and the wide open shooting ability they had suddenly became
like a like a game changer to the league. I mean,
(34:25):
they were kind of a trendsetter in the pacing in
which they played. Can they sustain that and does the
rest of the league catch on to it?
Speaker 3 (34:34):
Yeah? I think you can sustain it. I think you
have an identity as far as certainly from from an
offensive standpoint here, the parts of the roster, of course,
have changed. That's going to be the big question as
far as who you plug in. And I'm not talking
about Mem Hart or or Ben Shepherd or you know
players like that, but that that's going to be the
(34:56):
big thing is as far as who who basic he
comes into an expanding role as going today a bill,
accept that different offensive responsibility.
Speaker 1 (35:06):
Bobby, Appreciate the time as always, man, it'll be here
before we know it, Thursday night from the Indiana standpoint
Pacers and Thunder getting things underway, and then we will
be right into the thick of the NBA season. Appreciate
the time you got.
Speaker 3 (35:20):
Thanks, guys, Appreciate it all right.
Speaker 1 (35:21):
Bobby Mark's joining us from ESPN on the Java House
Peel and Poor guest line. Interesting stuff there, especially Toronto.
That one surprised me a little bit.
Steven Holder is with ESPN dot com. He joins us
on the Java House, Peel and Poor Guest line, and
of course has been out at the Colts complex. Uh, Steven,
I'm going to begin with something that we were just
talking about earlier, and it's a little off the beaten
path perhaps and maybe even ahead of the game, but
thinking about Aaron Nesmith and the Pacers announcing, you know,
(00:21):
his extension within their franchise, I look at Alec Pierce
and he is clearly becoming a piece that the Colts
are going to want to maintain. Then you get into
the financials of it, that's probably well beyond our pay grade.
But do you believe that it's possible there are players
on the roster that will agree to restructure in order
(00:43):
to make things like that possible.
Speaker 2 (00:47):
That's an interesting question. I think it would. It would
kind of depend on on where they're at, you know,
with with Daniel Jones after the season and what that
contract looks like, because I mean, at this point, right
we're working under the assumption that that's going to happen
unless Daniel Jones for some reason wants to go somewhere else, Right,
(01:10):
But I think that's going to be the big piece
of the puzzle. And then how many of these veteran
players from this cores they intend to keep next year,
which is an impossible question to answer and all that,
but I think the problem with Alec Parris, and it's
not a problem, it's just a reality, right The reality
with Alec Pearce is that it is going to be expensive,
(01:34):
probably more than people realize.
Speaker 3 (01:36):
All Right.
Speaker 2 (01:37):
Right now, Michael Pittman Junior is around what twenty one
twenty two million a year? I think he in terms
of this particular season, he might have the biggest cap
number on the team. Even so, I'm not saying Alex
Pearis is going to be the same sort of money,
but I think we're getting to that point where he's
(01:57):
going to be in the ballpark of that range, and
or at least potentially. So if that's the case, that
becomes this is the reality. How much money are you
spending at wide receiver? And I don't know what the
right answer is, but I'm just telling you that that
has to be part of the equation. I will tell
you when they thought they had something in ad Mitchell,
(02:21):
and they still might we're talking about a year from now.
They were very much of the opinion that they were
moving on from alex Paris after this year. No disrespected him,
just the reality. What I wonder is whether that's changed
with the ad Mitchell dynamics.
Speaker 4 (02:36):
Steven, when you guys talked to Chris Ballard about different things,
free agency, money, franchise tag, it's always we'll work through
that and we'll use the franchise tag as a tool. Potentially,
if you had to guess, would you say that the
franchise tag will be used this offseason, whether that's on
Alan Pears, Daniel Jones, Nick Cross, Braden Smith, or whomever.
Speaker 2 (02:59):
I I think you have to hold on to it
for for Jones in particular, I think elsewhere you probably
roll the dice. I don't know that they are gonna
have been over backwards to do it with anyone else
or feel the necessity. I think you have to hold
on to it though, up until the last minute, as
(03:20):
a tool with the Daniel Jones negotiation, because if that
if that deal is not done by the time you
get Depending on where you sit and depending on how
you feel about those negotiations, I think you have to
do it.
Speaker 1 (03:40):
I just do.
Speaker 2 (03:41):
I think you have to assign a tag, you can
always pull it back, right, you pull it back, you
do the deal when you're reach an agreement, and then
everybody walks away happy. It may it may end up
working out like that. And it's no, it's no like,
it's nothing personal if they hit you with the tag.
It's really just it's to give the team flexibility. It
is an advantage for the team and a disadvantage for
(04:03):
the player, There's no question about that. But it's also
not like, you know, it's not the end of the
world if they do tag you, if in fact they're
trying to legitimately do a deal with you in good faith.
And I think that will be the case with Daniel Jones.
I think it may come to that, And that's what
I would set it aside for is for.
Speaker 1 (04:22):
Jones, Stephen, where do we stand for the Colts right
now on this? And I realized it's a Tuesday, so
perhaps it's early to know, But where do we stand
health wise in terms of those that we still might
be waiting on or those that we would expect to
be seeing now here against Tennessee?
Speaker 2 (04:41):
Well, let's see. I mean the big question, I guess
is this what we're talking since and that ebbucom I
do think now that the Colts haven't said this, but
the indications are that he will miss some time at
least this week beyond that. Yes, an mcl spring, I
(05:03):
guess is what we're thinking. It is what the word is.
And here's why that's problematic. It's not that Sampson edbucom
Is is prime, you know, von Miller or anything. It's
just that the depth on the defensive line, on defense
in general, the death on defense generally, it's really poor
right now because of injuries and you know, you can
(05:25):
only hold on so long because and this is compounded
by the loss of Taekwon Lewis. He's got a groin strain.
I don't know what his status is. I talk to
him after the game, and he said he just couldn't
push through it. He tried. He just said, you know,
those are painful. You know, he just kind of one
of those things you kind of get split apart there.
(05:47):
And uh, you know a lot of groin strings in
this town this year, right So, Uh, it's it's tough.
It's really tough to maneuver into and to change direction
and things like things like that. So I don't know
what his status is, But I think those two guys
are big questions for me, as I said, because I
think they are core pieces of the rotation, and if
(06:09):
they are gone now you are digging deeper into the
depth chart, as you are already doing in the defensive backfield,
and that has had consequences obviously. So defensive depth is
my question right now? How are they doing? They're not great?
Speaker 1 (06:23):
Okay, what about defensive pass rush? Are they going to
make a move before the trade deadline?
Speaker 2 (06:32):
I predict they probably won't, just because I don't think
those deals are are necessarily as as plentiful as people think.
They're just not now. And then the other factor I
should say is that that has not been Chris Ballard's
mo ever, right. If anything, he's a seller, a not
(06:54):
a buyer. However, I think this is such a unique year.
They have such an opportunity here and they've never been here.
They're the best record in the NFL. I mean, when
have we been able to say that through seven weeks
they have such a good team, they have the best
record in the league. They have This is a I guess,
(07:16):
a situation where history kind of doesn't matter, meaning like
Chris Ballard's history. You know his tendencies and all that.
I don't know that they matter at this point because
this is a unique situation and an unprecedented situation for him.
So I say all that to say, I think it's
still a possibility, if not a likelihood, I think it's
(07:40):
more likely than usual. I still don't think it's necessarily likely.
If that makes any sense, Yeah, it does.
Speaker 1 (07:47):
Stephen Holder, our guest ESPN dot Comedy's on the Java
House Pilamport guest line. Stephen the you know, offensively speaking,
what the cults are doing, and this really is remarkable.
What they are doing is nearly historic. I mean of
the last twenty five years, their points per possession, their
(08:07):
offensive efficiency, their ability in so many different ways to
move the football. With all of that to me, and
I want you to tell me if you think this
is almost by design. It's great that they score a
lot of points, but more so they are controlling the football.
They're not turning it over. But they have big strike capability.
(08:32):
But is it somewhat by design of Shane Steichen to
just chew clock and keep other teams at bay and
not allowing opposition to get in rhythm?
Speaker 2 (08:43):
So I don't think it's necessarily a tactic. I think
what you're seeing is happening by default because of something
you just said, because of their efficiency. So what do
I mean It means they don't have a lot of
turnovers on downs? Well, they get a lot of first downs, right,
I think they leave the NFL in first downs, so
(09:03):
they convert. They also they sustain drives just generally because
they're not turning it over. So all of the things
that kill drives, penalties, all that stuff, turnovers, drops, all
of that, all the things that kill drives, those are
the things they've managed to avoid. So if you do that,
(09:25):
you are going to possess the football and you are
going to have eight, nine, ten, eleven play drives because
that's the way most drives up. Most scoring drives end
up happening that way. The problem is, most drives get
killed for a number of reasons. The Colts, for whatever reason,
they've avoided all of those pitfalls much better than other teams.
(09:50):
And that's why I kind of think this is sustainable.
I mean, that becomes something of an identity of who
you are. You're the team that doesn't screw it up
even weekly.
Speaker 1 (10:01):
Let go ahead.
Speaker 2 (10:02):
I'm sorry, No, No, that's it. I think that's the answer.
It's not intentional, but it's it's a product of who
they are and how they're playing.
Speaker 1 (10:11):
Okay, lastly, in short, with tennessee here at home at
no disrespect to the Titans, but with an opponent at
home that inferior, does that, in any way, shape or
form impact the rapidity with which guys may come back
from injury, or does it give them, in the back
of their mind the flexibility of holding guys out to
(10:32):
be cautious.
Speaker 2 (10:35):
So they haven't operated that way generally this year. I
think they're taking the long view with their injuries. You know,
look at the Kenny Moore situation, like they they gave
him a full three weeks and he was able to
come back and be effective. Could he have rushed maybe.
I don't think they look at it that way. I
think they're looking at it just in terms of the
long view, and that is the right way to look
(10:56):
at it. I think forget the opponent. It's really about
having these guys down the stretch and whatever it takes
to do that, that's what they should do.
Speaker 1 (11:04):
Stevenholder ESPN dot Com, Java House peeling poor guest line.
Steven appreciate it as always man, all right, you got it.
Are a busy day for Steven Holder and appreciate working
us in joining us now in the Java House peeling
poor guest line he is with field House file Scott Agnes.
Scott will beg in with the big news and that
is I thought, really good news for Indiana, extending Aaron Nesmith.
(11:28):
And what's funny is feel free to tell me that
I'm wrong. Even in nearly doubling his salary, Aaron Nesmith,
I think is still a bargain your thoughts.
Speaker 5 (11:37):
Yeah, good afternoon, Jake, no question. I mean, especially as
we're going to continue to see the salary cap rise
as expected roughly ten percent annually. It feels like in
NBA terms, this is going to feel like in a
couple of years like a four million dollar guy, which
is like an extreme bargain. So for Aaron, he gets
the stability, the guarantees, the know how that he's going
(11:59):
to be under contract for the next four years, and
from the Pacers side, it also gives him clarity knowing
the guys that they have under contract. This one ties
him with Tyrese Haliburton for four more years as well,
and so it's a good thing all around.
Speaker 1 (12:14):
Where did things stand in part of my asking this
Scott with nim Hard, I can't remember if he was
recently extended or he is up soon?
Speaker 5 (12:22):
Do you recall, Yeah, so it was last summer the Pacers.
He was one of the guys that the Pacers were
able to do a deal with. It was a three
year extension last July. He was like one of six
guys that got paid after that run to the conference finals.
He was able to do it the previous year because
he was not a first round pick, so his contract
(12:42):
was a little bit different. Bring that to present terms.
Benedict Matheren was here recently eligible for a contract extension
that has now expired. So he'll play this year out
on the final year of his rookie deal and he
will become the big question going into next summer, much
like it was kind of at this time it was
probably Isaiah Jackson coming off his rookie deal.
Speaker 1 (13:03):
Okay, So that means if I'm writing this down, okay,
if we're looking at let's say, you know this year,
we know the realities of this year. Next year you
have Halliburton back in the mix okay, and then let's
say the year after that. So Halliburton now has had
one full year of playing, you know, so, in other words,
(13:24):
in two seasons, Nie Smith is locked in for that year. Correct, Yes,
ty Reese is locked in for that year. Would that
be the final year of Sam or to siakam is
next season? Seacom's last year.
Speaker 6 (13:40):
Has two more years after this one.
Speaker 1 (13:42):
Okay, So you got Sam for that and then Nim
you said, Nim Hart. Okay, Nie Smith? Now what about
there are two others here, Obi Toppin.
Speaker 5 (13:56):
Obi Toppin re signed the last summer that will run
through the twenty twenty seven twenty twenty eight season. So
you can see the similar timeline here. I mean, they're
aligning all around this right now. The question becomes do
you believe Scott? And we didn't mention this earlier, and
perhaps I should have. If you look at Benedict Mathern
(14:17):
and the decision by the Pacers to still wait, is
that partially because perhaps they want to see where Jeris
Walker and Johnny Furfey are, or even Ben Shephard, to
see how they want to distribute, maybe even trying to
lock in say two of those guys as opposed to
just one with Matheren who you think is going to
be big ticket or is that me way over thinking
(14:39):
the math. I think that's a factor, but I'd probably
put it down the list just a couple. I think,
first of all, it's at this time of year right now,
on a rookie year contract, rookie scale contract, it's in
favor of the teams. So that's why you see a
Nie Smith bargain type deal getting done. If you're Benedict Mathern,
you see what's ahead of you, Jake, you see a
(15:02):
greater role being in the starting lineup, the team needing
him to do more at both ends of the floor.
If you're a guy that doesn't is not desperate for
that stability and is willing to bet on yourself. As
we know, Bennedict, probably more than any other pacer player
is is able to do that because he's a restrictive
free agent. So from a team standpoint, the Pacers win
(15:23):
with his upside if he grows and his incredible as
an All Star, the Pacers can still match any offer
out there. But on the other side of it, I
think the number one factor in all this and Nie
Smith helps provide some of that clarity for this front
office is to understand at what point does this how
expensive does this team get and do they need to
go into the luxury tax and at what level there?
(15:45):
So I think with Matherin, there's no reason unless you
have a deal that suits both sides to get it
done right now, because the Pacers have that option coming
next summer where you're only going to have a handful
of teams probably that will have enough money to compete
with you at that juncture.
Speaker 1 (16:04):
Scott Agnes is our guest. He is on the Java
House Peel and Port guest line Jake twenty five Jaka
E two five Jake twenty five four twenty five percent
off at Java house dot com. Scott, when you look
at this season and maybe this goes once we get
into the year, but in your anticipation, in the work
(16:25):
that you've done for Fieldhouse Files and reading about it
and just analyzing where the Pacers are, do you believe
that this year for Rick Carlisle, for Kevin Pritchard, Chad Buchanan,
do you think they are going into this saying we
are doing everything we can to sustain and maintain our
(16:45):
replacement amongst the top, or do you think they're saying
this is a year that we now have been blessed
with this opportunity to get minutes and analysis of guys
that otherwise we might not have been able to to do.
Speaker 5 (17:00):
With you, Jake, my sense, it's the first one within reason,
within their capabilities. They want to compete at the highest
level and continue to show that everybody's wrong. Like I
was stunned, I don't know about you, like the fact
that Vegas last time I looked, had the Pacers at
thirty six and a half wins. I see this team
bearing injury to be well above that, certainly north of
(17:23):
forty and in the in the playoffs, is my mind. Now,
things can can go a ride just based off injuries
like we saw at the beginning of last season. But
this team is by no means just happy to be
here going through the motions. And you're using a term
I used several years ago, a year of discovery, right
in reference to Johnny Furfree Walker, et cetera. I don't
(17:44):
think that's at all the case, is what I'm gathering.
Speaker 1 (17:48):
I'm going to give you a couple of players, and
I want you to tell me whether you believe, and
this is assuming that they're healthy. Okay, so win healthy.
I'm gonna give you some players, and I want you
to tell me the minutes that they see this year,
whether you think it is more than last year, fewer
than last year, or the same. Okay, Jerris Walker, I
(18:11):
would say more. Okay, Ben Shephard.
Speaker 5 (18:17):
About the same, except the start of the season, I think,
but about the same.
Speaker 1 (18:22):
Johnny Furfey more interesting, Okay. TJ McConnell about the same.
And then after that you get into Okay, Obie Toppin.
Speaker 6 (18:38):
I think definitely more.
Speaker 1 (18:39):
Yeah, because top and they use, they will use in
a couple different ways, will they not.
Speaker 5 (18:44):
That's the thought here right now. With center being among
your biggest concerns. I know it's a blimp. We only
saw you know, handful of preseason games, but that seemingly
was their most effective center was Obi and then running
small at the other positions.
Speaker 1 (18:58):
Okay, starting center will be.
Speaker 6 (19:00):
Isaiah Jackson to start the season.
Speaker 1 (19:02):
And you believe Isaiah Jackson will be essentially a rebounding
and defensive center or a guy that becomes a staple
within their offense as well.
Speaker 5 (19:14):
No, I think that I think that position will be
the fifth option. Offensively, Yeah, yeah, yeah, there's a lot
he still has to grow into from a development standpoint,
But the thing I highlight most about him is his
rim running ability and get out and transition in that versatility.
That's a little bit different dynamic than we saw from
(19:36):
Miles Turner to Scott.
Speaker 4 (19:37):
To kind of connect the two conversations, the Benedict Mathery
not getting any extension in the future of him with
the franchise in the current center position. Could the aspect
of the Pacers not wanting to sign him now also
be because they're looking to potentially spend money to get
a center that is paired that pairs well with Harry's Haliburton.
Speaker 5 (19:58):
So from a from a fit standpoint, I think the
number one thing in all this is just you couldn't
agree to terms like Matherin you assume thinks highly of himself.
I want a type of a max deal. I want
a big money offer. Pacers on the other side have
to account for all those different contracts, say of on
their books. He's been a role player, has not emerged
(20:18):
at just yet in that starting role. But yes, you're
one hundred percent right to me that would be the
secondary piece in all this after the money, is does
he fit with this team? Does he allow Haliburton to
play his game? How does he surround the rest of
the guys. Is it just a good fit, because at
least initially, as we all know, the first couple years,
it was somewhat of a mismatch a little bit right
(20:39):
just in desired playing styles. But Matherin is locked in
more than any player I've heard about in camp right now.
So I'm intrigued to see how he plays and how
he settles in now as a more mature, confident player
within Rick Carlisle's system.
Speaker 1 (20:55):
Yeah, I just I feel bad for Matherin because you know,
he's kind of in this stuck place. Scott. And you
tell me if you disagree with this. If he has
a year this year where he averages twenty one a game,
I think he's probably more like eighteen. But you know whatever,
then they're gonna and one would think in the NBA
(21:16):
that means you get a big payday. But there are
gonna be people that are gonna say, well, he got
that because he was in a place where you know,
he was the designated score because somebody had the score
while they hold serve and then on the other side
of that, if he thinks that Indiana is the place
that will pay him because of that production. There still
is an element of the fact that it kind of
(21:39):
feels like he's a really nice sports car that is
sleek and fun, but the Pacers are living in Montana
where you can't go over forty five because the roads
are too.
Speaker 6 (21:52):
Hilly, you know what I mean?
Speaker 1 (21:54):
It just it just doesn't It just feels like I
don't know why I say this about Matherin because I
like him. I don't know him as a guy, but
he seems like a nice guy. He has been at
times a really fun player to watch, and he's been
a very reliable player at times. But it does feel
like he is the one player that his game when flourishing,
(22:17):
it comes at the cost of the motion or the
style that Indiana most thrives on. Would you agree with that.
Speaker 5 (22:29):
Yeah, I think that's absolutely fair. But I do think
he's done a good job. And you know, second part
of last season in particular, is what it stood out
to me of adapting more and leaning more in and
and doing exactly what the coaching staff was seemingly asking
of him and so I go back going too this season, thinking, look,
if he can thrive this year, and I think he'll
probably be the second leading scorer. I see probably a
(22:52):
Siakam at twenty three points in Matherin at twenty one.
It seems most likely to me right now. But just
think you throw Haliburton back into that and that opens
things up for everybody else. So that means in large
part it could be even more open for him come
following seasons. But look, you're always gonna have change within
(23:13):
the NBA. And with Tyree's coming back, then what does
it mean for Matheren? Does it mean Nemhart's back in
the starting line? Stays in the starting line? Like, There's
so many different levels to all of this. But you're right,
That's why I think from a individual standpoint, Mathern is
the most interesting character in this upcoming scene.
Speaker 1 (23:29):
Yeah, and Scott, we both should point out, in fairness
to Scott, to Benedict mather and Scott Agnes our guest
from field House Files on the Java House Peeling poor
guest line, there is none of this is in any way,
shape or form an indictment on the person or the
teammate of Benedict Mathern, there is zero evidence of that
being an issue at all.
Speaker 5 (23:49):
Right, Yeah, no, No, you're completely leaning into stylistically and
how do you maximize the player's best traits and does
it align with the team's best traits? I think is
That's what I'm gathering. That's totally been the conversation with
Matherin always.
Speaker 1 (24:04):
Do you think lastly, Scott, I mean it's been It
doesn't seem long ago that we're sitting here doing weekly
chats with Austin Kroscher, you know, in the playoffs talking
about the possibility of how close it is to a
title and Achilles and Haliburton and all of it doesn't
seem long ago at all. It wasn't long ago. It
was the shortest postseason we've ever seen. Obviously, does that
(24:29):
change the way the Pacers at the beginning of the
year play or Look.
Speaker 6 (24:35):
That's a very good question.
Speaker 5 (24:36):
The other one I would add to that that I
would like to ask Jacob is how did it impact
training camp because the usage rate and in terms of
how much these players to wear and tear.
Speaker 6 (24:46):
Look, tomorrow will mark.
Speaker 5 (24:48):
Four months from that last finals game. That is not
a short turnaround at all. I mean most of these players,
Jake will take a month, month and a half and
do nothing substantial, maybe just weight room and that's about it.
Then get into their off season. And so the other
big thing in all this that I don't have the
answer to is how did all these players off season
(25:10):
training change their regimen to adapt to that longer season.
With all this now, how I would guess and all
this is they're going to try to ease into this
first month of the season from a minute standpoint and
take it a little bit more cautious viewpoint. Get At
the same time, you can't hold these players back a ton,
but I would keep a stern eye on your guys
(25:32):
coming back from an Achilles, like Isaiah Jackson and James Wiseman.
You don't want them playing significant minutes or maybe long runs.
Maybe it's five minutes seven minute bursts out there, but
that's where you trust your medical staff. The Pacers have
five athletic trainers and you got to lean into that.
Speaker 4 (25:47):
Who's the favorite of the Eastern Conference?
Speaker 1 (25:50):
Is it Cleveland?
Speaker 5 (25:51):
I think by default Eddiot's got to be Cleveland just
given what they did during the regular season. Knowing how
they're leaning highly into this roster got the largest tax bill,
and obviously they have an ax to grind after really
struggling there in that postseason. But I mean after that,
and I think it's it's a toss up. Maybe other
(26:12):
than New York. I think it's easily Cleveland and New
York one two.
Speaker 1 (26:15):
Who could be this year's Indiana?
Speaker 5 (26:20):
Maybe Orlando in the Eastern Conference. Orlando's the team that
I really like to buy into.
Speaker 1 (26:26):
What about Atlanta?
Speaker 5 (26:29):
I think I need to give it another year. I mean, look,
you're still dealing with the Trey Young down there, and
I'm not a big believer in building around him, just
like Philly. For Philly, it's believe it when once I
see it with him. We've been talking about them being
contenders for ten years and nothing's come to fruition there.
Speaker 1 (26:47):
So trust the process. Philly, You're fifteen of the process.
Speaker 6 (26:53):
Right and it never got him to the final.
Speaker 1 (26:55):
I know Scott will have all of the coverage Fieldhouse
files Pacers. He's in getting underway Thursday night with Oak City.
Appreciate it, Scott, all right, thanks guys. Scott Agnes joining
us field House. Big news is the Pacers have given
a contract extension to Aaron Nesmith, but that means Nie
Smith in the mix now in terms of when you're
(27:16):
looking at Tyre's Haliburton coming back, same too with Andrin
Imhard Pascal Siakam, and you got to kind of align
those things to talk about that and more. He joins
us now on the Java House Peel and Poor Guest line.
Of course you see him on ESPN. He has been
on this radio show many a times, has always appreciated
NBA front office insider for ESPN, Bobby Marks joining us. Bobby,
(27:38):
I will get first and foremost right to this meat
of the matter, and that is this Nie Smith deal.
I think seems even still like a bargain with him
doubling his price tag because I just think he's the
kind of guy that championship teams have a guy like
a Nie Smith that can Swiss army knife it a
little bit, but it is a lot of money. Is
(28:00):
it going to be a deal by the time this
deal is.
Speaker 3 (28:03):
Done, yeah, I mean it's still a value deal. I
mean he still has two years left at eleven million
dollars per year and then this this doesn't kick in
until twenty twenty seven to twenty eight. I think you
have to you have to remember, as the salary cap grows,
so do the numbers. You know, it's going to be
comparable to the non taxman level exception, which is basically
(28:26):
the average players salary here. So it's it's a great
deal right now, it will be The deal will be
fine when he when it comes to fruition two years
from now. Now they get him on the contract for
about four years.
Speaker 1 (28:39):
How big a challenge is it for teams to you know?
In other words, I realize that playing the rules of
the salary cap, that's one thing, right, but managing as
Indiana is doing, Bobby, And you tell me if I'm
off base here, but it seems as though Indiana is
being very strategic and making sure that they are aligning contracts.
(29:00):
You get players in prime at the same time, already
locked in and not having to deal with it. Right,
how rare is.
Speaker 3 (29:08):
Off That's a great point. I mean, I think, you know,
it's funny when when these new rules came into play
a couple of years ago, you know, everyone had pointed
to as a team that if there was a blueprint
how to build a roster, let's remove Oklahoma City from
the equation a little bit. But to build a roster
where you have, yeah, your two main guys with Tyres
(29:29):
and Pascal, and then you have everyone that kind of
fills in. Now. The question was going to be what
happens when you had to pay players, whether it be
Benedict matherin a year from now and when contract came up.
And they've done a they've done a really good job.
I mean they've they've been extra aggressive with extensions. When
you look at Nie Smith and them, Hart, Halliburt and
(29:52):
McConnell all signing deals, and what the CBA does either
you prioritize your own players and there's kind of a
packing from a salary perspective, and they've done a good
job from a from a now standpoint, but also looking
forward to, like in you know, the next two to three.
Speaker 1 (30:09):
Years, Bobby, as you look at it with the Pacers
and there are a couple of other players I had
questions about. But I wanted your thought on this. Knowing
that Halliburton is out, knowing that Turner now is in Milwaukee.
If you were Indiana we were talking about this earlier,
would you take this year as look, we're still going
to try to just maintain same high level. So that
(30:31):
there's not as much a drop off, or do you
take advantage of this year by seeing what you have
on a Johnny Furfey, by analyzing furthermore where Jaris Walker is,
by getting more minutes from Ben Shepherd, et cetera.
Speaker 3 (30:46):
Yeah, I think, you know, especially with Rick, I think
you're you're probably going to see a little bit of
a longer leash with with some of those younger players,
the bench players that maybe the opportunity wouldn't be there
if you still had my in Tyrish was his health here,
And I think that's that's the beauty of it, when
there's nobody that's really expecting much from you. I think
(31:08):
in the Eastern Conference it allows, especially this year, that
it will allow you to stay in it and then
you can kind of evaluate where your roster is going
to be, probably some time in January February here. But yeah,
I do think it's going to be an opportunity. I
think the one I would say my one concern would
be your your your depth at the guard position, especially
(31:29):
with the McConnell injury. You know, somebody you relied a
lot on last year and you know I was looking
at with Nemhart, you know, he's never averaged a year
where he's averaged more than thirty minutes per game, and
I think there's gonna be a little bit of a
workload him. So your death is going to be important
as far as you know, how this team goes this year,
(31:50):
especially at the guard position.
Speaker 1 (31:52):
Were you surprised they did not offer extension to Benedict
Madaren And do you believe he will be a coveted
player if he hit free agency?
Speaker 3 (32:01):
Yeah, I wasn't surprised. I think for if you're Indiana
and you're gonna see it this year, I mean it's
kind of you know, it's gonna go one way or another.
I think there's an expanded role for him with the injuries,
whether it be starting or play significant minutes coming off
the bench. So I wasn't I wasn't totally surprised that
there wasn't a deal. And and you know, don I
(32:22):
always say Ricky, extension is the hardest things because from
from the team perspective, you're not competing against anybody. It's
just the clock on Monday, Monday, late in the day here.
So I think when he gets into restricted free agency,
we saw this past year that became pretty daunting for
where the Josh Gittis and Quinton Grimes and Cam Thomas
and Jonathan Minga. The market does get a little bit
(32:45):
better next year, but we haven't seen you know, we
haven't seen a team come in with with a significant
offer sheet in like you know, three or four years here.
That might change, but we'll see. Well, you know that's
Indiana will have the weigh that when he gets and
to restrict a free agency.
Speaker 1 (33:01):
Jade and Ivy, were you surprised by the fact that
Detroit did not extend him.
Speaker 3 (33:07):
I wasn't because he's just had his knee scope. He
came when he's coming off that injury.
Speaker 1 (33:13):
Last year.
Speaker 3 (33:13):
He just had the knee scope. Here, I think you
know him and Dorian, you know, as far as two
guys at work extension eligible. Here's a team that is
expecting a lot out of especially for what they did
last year. So no surprise with with the Ivy no extension.
Speaker 1 (33:28):
Who could be this year's Indiana in the East.
Speaker 2 (33:32):
Oh, that's a good question.
Speaker 3 (33:33):
You know, I'm pretty high in Toronto.
Speaker 1 (33:36):
I think the.
Speaker 3 (33:36):
Raptors are intriguing to me, just because they went out
and got brandon Ingram at the deadline. We never We
haven't seen Brandon Ingram since the days and New Orleans
and your returner roster that has Scottie Barnes and r J.
Barrett and Emanuel Quickly that Jacob Pertle that hasn't been
relatively healthy here, They've got the talent. I don't want
(33:56):
to say, you know a team that can get to
an Eastern Conference finals or an NBA finals, but I
do think they have the talent that they can sneak
up on teams.
Speaker 1 (34:03):
Okay, lastly, Bobby Mark's our guest ESPN. He's on the
Java House Peel and Port guest line. Lastly, Bobby Indiana.
At least from the Indiana standpoint, it felt like Rick
Carlisle's offense, the style that Indiana played and the pacing
and the wide open shooting ability they had suddenly became
like a like a game changer to the league. I mean,
(34:25):
they were kind of a trendsetter in the pacing in
which they played. Can they sustain that and does the
rest of the league catch on to it?
Speaker 3 (34:34):
Yeah? I think you can sustain it. I think you
have an identity as far as certainly from from an
offensive standpoint here, the parts of the roster, of course,
have changed. That's going to be the big question as
far as who you plug in. And I'm not talking
about Mem Hart or or Ben Shepherd or you know
players like that, but that that's going to be the
(34:56):
big thing is as far as who who basic he
comes into an expanding role as going today a bill,
accept that different offensive responsibility.
Speaker 1 (35:06):
Bobby, Appreciate the time as always, man, it'll be here
before we know it, Thursday night from the Indiana standpoint
Pacers and Thunder getting things underway, and then we will
be right into the thick of the NBA season. Appreciate
the time you got.
Speaker 3 (35:20):
Thanks, guys, Appreciate it all right.
Speaker 1 (35:21):
Bobby Mark's joining us from ESPN on the Java House
Peel and Poor guest line. Interesting stuff there, especially Toronto.
That one surprised me a little bit.
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