14. Indiana Pacers

As was the case last year, the Pacers GM,

   Doug Mraz ,

lost his account for the summer.  Before leaving, Doug did a 
team analysis and gave me a list of players that he wanted
(in order of preference).  Since writing this analysis, the
Pacers fired their coach and General Manager (I think).  So
with the 14th pick, the Indiana Pacers select:

   Scott Burrell, SG, 6-7, UCONN

====================================================================

Last year as Pacers' GM I took Tom Gugliotta; unfortunately in the real 
world the Pacers took Malik "Where is my playbook?" Sealy.

   TEAM NEEDS / HISTORY

    The Pacers are in serious financial perils.  The team lost money
again, attendance is down, the franchise is the least profitable in
the NBA, and the Simon Brothers can't find anyone to buy the team.

   Now for the on-court woes.  For the fourth consecutive year, the
Pacers made the playoffs, finished around .500 , and got beAt in the
first round. Everyone thought "the trade" would help team chemistry.
Yet Pooh Richardson and Coach Bob Hill still squabbled.  Rik Smits did
discover himself in the playoffs.  Reggie Miller seemed to take the
leadership role upon himself in the playoffs.  ANd Detlef Schrempf
made the All-Star team.  This team does have talent.  The problem is
that there is no half-court offense when the other team slows the
tempo, and the defense is non-existent.  Rebounding has improved with
Dale Davis on the squad.  But with Pooh Richardson a free agent, the
point guard slot is a worry.  IMHO, the Pacers looked better wiht Vern
Fleming out there, and he is 33.  The bench of LaSalle Thompson,
George McCloud, and Kenny Williams doesn't do much.  This team is
headed for an off-season overhaul.

TEAM'S SELECTION

  Scott Burrell

OTHERS CONSIDERED

  Bobby Hurley (1st on his list)
  Rodney Rogers
  Malcom Mackey
  Calbert Cheaney

OTHER MOVES TEAM SHOULD MAKE:

1) Fire GM Donnie Walsh. Yes, he has gotten the team out of its place
in the] lottery.  But the team still needs some work.  And he did
nothing during the season to help it.  He has drafted stiffs like
McCloud and Sealy.  ANd he just gave Rik Smits a 5 year contract
extension.  88% of the fans polled in the thought that was a dumb
move.

2) Trade Rik Smits.  I know, you're saying "But he ate up Ewing in the
playoffs!  EXACTLY!  His trade value has never been higher. If Pooh
Richardson leaves the team (he is asking for $2 million yearly!) a
proven point guard is needed. ANd while Fleming is good, he is 33.  At
the least test Smits' value.

3) Make a decision on George McCloud.  The team has been patient, and
he has had personal tragedies.  But his shot is inconsistent, and I
doubt he can play consistency.  But if Pooh leaves, perhaps give
McCloud the job and see what he does.

4) Try free agents.  I admit with the team's financial shape this is
tough.  But if Pooh leaves, and LaSalle Thompson gets cut (he is
popular on the team) you have room to work with.

5) Re-acquire Chuck Person. He is "a Pacer for life" [his words].  And
he still owns a home in Indianapolis.  But I think he is going to
Boston. And I doubt the team would welcome him back.


========================================================================
Draft Summary:

1.  Orlando
    GM:   Tom@Orlando 
    Pick: Chris Webber, PF, 6-10.  University of Michigan
2.  Philadelphia
    GM:   Dave Meeks 
    Pick: Shawn Bradley, C, 7-7. BYU
3.  Golden State
    GM's: Mike Moore 
          Terry Wong 
    Pick: Jamal Mashburn, SF, 6-8. Kentucky
4.  Dallas
    GM:   Curtis Hill  
    Pick: Anfernee Hardaway, SG, 6-7, Memphis State
5.  Minnesota
    GM's: Kevin Hansen 
          Toni Morgan 
    Pick: Calbert Cheaney, SF, 6-7. Indiana
6.  Washington
    GM's: The Crossjammer 
          Jim Nagle   
    Pick: J.R. Rider, SG, 6-5, UNLV
7.  Sacramento
    GM:   TODD FURESZ 
    Pick: Rodney Rogers, PF, 6-7, Wake Forest
8.  Milwaukee       
    GM's: Brian Saunders 
          Morgan Edwards 
    Pick: Malcolm Mackey, PF, 6-11, Georgia Tech
9.  Denver
    GM's: John Exby 
          Rick Grubin 
    Pick: Ervin Johnson, PF, 6-11, New Orleans
10. Detroit
    GM:   Rob Skrobola 
    Pick: Alan Houston, SG, 6-6, Tennessee
11. Detroit
    GM:   Rob Skrobola 
    Pick: Acie Earl, C, 6-10, Iowa
12. L.A. Lakers
    GM:   Cliff Slaughterbeck 
    Pick: Bobby Hurley, PG, 6-0, Duke
13. L.A. Clippers
    GM:   Cliff Slaughterbeck 
    Pick: Vin Baker, SF, 6-10, Hartford
14. Indiana
    GM:   Doug Mraz 
    Pick: Scott Burrell, SG, 6-7, UCONN

Next Up:
15. Atlanta
    GM:   The Real Life Peter Fox