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How the Hornets Can Copy the Pacers’ Blueprint for NBA Success

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Steven Corder | Last updated Jun 2, 2025 8:02 PM ET

When the Indiana Pacers punched their ticket to the 2025 NBA Finals, few fans in Charlotte could watch without wondering: Why not us?

Both franchises added dynamic point guards in the last five seasons. Indiana traded for Tyrese Haliburton and the Hornets drafted LaMelo Ball, yet their roads have diverged dramatically. The Pacers are now Eastern Conference royalty. The Hornets? Coming off a 19-63 season, bad enough for the NBA’s third-worst record.

But there’s a roadmap, and Indiana is holding it.

The Pacers made their leap when they traded for All-Star Pascal Siakam in January. Siakam’s scoring, rebounding, and playoff experience balanced the load for Haliburton, creating a true one-two punch.

Charlotte doesn’t need to hit the trade market just yet, they may already have their Siakam in Brandon Miller. The 2023 No. 2 overall pick averaged 21.0 points per game before a wrist injury ended his season in February. Before that, he was trending toward a sophomore breakout.

Under Rick Carlisle, Indiana has become the NBA’s fastest-paced offense, ranking No. 1 in pace and fast-break points this season. Their style isn’t just entertaining; it’s exhausting for opponents.

The Hornets, armed with athletes like Ball, Miller, and Nick Smith Jr., have the tools to do the same. Head coach Charles Lee, known for his offensive creativity in Milwaukee and Boston, has the opportunity to unleash Charlotte’s young legs in transition.

Haliburton is the engine in Indiana. He averaged 9.2 assists per game (3rd in the NBA). Indiana’s offense flows through his decision-making.

LaMelo Ball, when healthy, is just as electric. In 2023–24, he averaged 25.2 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.9 rebounds. The Hornets must surround him with consistent shooters and slashers, just like the Pacers did with Myles Turner, Bennedict Mathurin, and Aaron Nesmith.

The Hornets are at a crossroads. Indiana didn’t draft a super team, they built one. Charlotte can do the same.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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