Indiana Pacers Focused on Culture Ahead of Season Debut

Last season, the Indiana Pacers made it to the Eastern Conference Finals. Everyone outside of Indianapolis seems it was a fluke and can't be replicated. However, with a full offseason under their belt, the Pacers are looking to make another deep playoff run.

After adding Pascal Siakam to the fold midway through last season, the 2019 NBA Champion fit right into the system Rick Carlisle and Tyrese Haliburton have built in the Midwest. Since getting more comfortable in his role and adjusting to the fast-paced style, Siakam has his eyes on a much-improved season this year.

Siakam, 30, has become the veteran leader for the Pacers both on and off the court. He held mini-camps this summer when most players would take a vacation. He has prioritized getting to know his teammates, and he and Haliburton are focused on building a culture of winning.

"I think it's just about culture setting here right now and understanding you're really laying a base of what you are right now," Haliburton said. "I enjoyed kind of laying the groundwork for what we've built today. So I think for [Siakam], he knows everything we're doing from last season. But I think it's getting more comfortable, our duo, our relationship, getting more comfortable. Just from a roster standpoint, top to bottom, everybody getting comfortable."

The greatest NBA teams, from the Golden State Warriors under Steve Kerr, the Miami Heat under Erik Spoelstra, and the San Antonio Spurs under Gregg Popovich have all instilled the "culture" and "groundwork" that Haliburton is talking about. Of course, they had players 100 percent bought into their vision, and Carlisle seems to have two players ready to lead.

After a full offseason in the organization, Siakam thinks he can add even more to the Pacers than he did last season.

"There was times last year where I'm just doing stuff, but I think now you get to really understand it, and we go through it more thoroughly, and it just feels a little bit more comfortable in the game," explained Siakam.

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While the Pacers will have a tough season and might be seen as a step behind the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, and even the Milwaukee Bucks, Indiana is looking to--and has--improve internally.