How Did WNBA Legend Praise Pacers?

The Indiana Pacers significantly improved from the 2023-24 season, but the national media hasn't addressed such an occurrence until Tuesday. During TNT's Tuesday night broadcast, an NBA analyst and WNBA legend preached respect for the Indiana Pacers.  

Although ESPN tends to talk about the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Lakers as if they play every night, the Pacers warrant recognition for a few reasons. 

On Tuesday, Candance Parker, one of the greatest WNBA players of all time and a consistent studio member of TNT's Tuesday crew, called out the NBA media for not giving the Pacers their proper due. 

"The Indiana Pacers need to get their respect. ... The Pacers are playing defense this year," Parker said. "You have an experienced Tyrese Haliburton. You have Pascal Siakam. You have switchability. You have Bennedict Mathurin back...."

Last season, the Pacers ranked 24th in defensive rating. While they haven't ascended to elite territory regarding defense, they jumped 10 spots from the previous campaign. They are no longer purely running opposing teams off the court with their scoring. 

Instead, their team is balanced, with both sides of the ball making game-changing plays. Over the last 15 games, the Pacers have ranked 10th in defensive rating. Among the 20 teams placed lower than the Pacers in such a span, the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers stick out the most. 

Pacers center Myles Turner used to be one of the best defensive players on the court, but perimeter players such as Andrew Nembhard have stepped up to the plate. Indiana has a balanced roster, which will come in handy for the 2025 playoffs. 

A former player and current NBA analysis of Parker's stature to give the Pacers their flowers reveals their play is bubbling as the postseason approaches. Soon, talking about the Pacers will become mandatory for ESPN, especially if they face the Knicks again in the playoffs.