Rumors

During his weekly radio interview Tuesday morning (YouTube link), Pacers coach Rick Carlisle dispelled any speculation that the team might be less inclined to re-sign Myles Turner after losing Tyrese Haliburton to a torn Achilles, relays Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star. There have been reports that owner Herb Simon would be willing to pay the luxury tax if it becomes necessary to reach a new deal with Turner. That was before Haliburton’s injury in Game 7 of the NBA Finals that might sideline him for a full year, which figures to hamper Indiana’s chances to be competitive next season. However, Carlisle insists nothing has changed. “I don’t think it’s any secret that the franchise, at this particular moment, that that is the No. 1 priority,” he said of Turner. “I don’t know anything about money or numbers or years, or any of that kind of stuff, but Myles is a very important part of what we’ve done here, what we’ve been doing. He’s a very important part of the history of the franchise, certainly over the last decade. I know that will be a big topic. I’m not privy to every little conversation going on there, but Myles is a very important part of what we’re doing. That will be a big thing.”

Hoops Rumors

Scott Agness: Pacers owner Herb Simon released this message to fans: “To the best fans in basketball - thank you. The way you showed up for our Pacers this season was unlike anything I've ever seen. This team united our city and state, gave us memories for a lifetime, and reminded us all why it's so special to be a Pacers fan. “I'm grateful to all of you for a historic and truly unforgettable season.”

x.com

“One of the things I realize is I’m still excited for the start of the season,” Simon told the Naismith crowd, then looked up from his prepared notes to wave his hands, trying to make people understand. “After 41 years I’m still as excited as ever,” he said. “In fact in just 10 days from now, our 42nd Pacers season will open – and on that day I turn 90.” Simon pauses. Here it comes. “I’m glad you didn’t wait longer to give me this award,” he said “I mean…”

Indianapolis Star

People who know Herb Simon – and know he's humble, wanting nothing to do with the limelight. “A reluctant receiver of attention,” says his son, Stephen Simon, who is next in line to run the family’s basketball business.

Indianapolis Star

“I would say Herb is super-proud of the longevity of his leadership,” says Raines, now Chief Executive Officer of PS&E. “Herb places an incredible amount of trust in his leaders to do their jobs, and does not micromanage.”

Indianapolis Star

“Without Herb Simon,” says Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, “I don’t believe the Pacers would be in Indiana any longer. And then what else would we have missed? Think about it. The Colts, the NCAA … the list just goes on and on.”

Indianapolis Star

The Pacers, with a longtime owner in Herb Simon who has always preferred retooling over rebuilding, went from missing the playoffs for three consecutive seasons to back-to-back Eastern Conference finals appearances and this NBA Finals run that they hope ends with the franchise’s first title. And Haliburton, the two-time All-Star out of Iowa State who was drafted 12th overall by the Kings in 2020, has been the one leading the way. “Our team was kind of at a crossroads,” Buchanan told The Athletic by phone on Friday while reflecting on the Haliburton trade. “We didn’t really have a guy, like a young player, that you could really build around. Now Domas (Sabonis) was a terrific player and a very productive player. But we felt like in today’s modern NBA, it’s hard to build around a center unless you’ve got, like, a (Denver Nuggets star Nikola) Jokić — an MVP-caliber center. So we tried to target some young guards, playmaking guards around the league that we thought maybe fit the bill. They’re very hard to acquire, obviously.

New York Times

Indiana Pacers owners Herb Simon and Steven Rales are taking the team behind the team on the road. When the Pacers closed out the New York Knicks in six games to win the Eastern Conference Finals — sending them back to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000 — employees at Pacers Sports & Entertainment were notified that they were invited, too. Full-time employees were offered a seat on a charter flight to Oklahoma City — there are zero nonstop flights between Indy and OKC — as well as a game ticket to Game 1 or Game 2.

Fieldhouse Files

Pacers Sports and Entertainment is chartering flights for full-time employees to be able to attend Games 1 and 2 of the NBA Finals. Employees had the option of going to either Game 1 or Game 2. If this sounds familiar, it’s because Pacers owner Herb Simon and his family did the same thing for Pacers employees when Indiana was in the NBA Finals in 2000.

wishtv.com

“I expect nothing less from the Simon family,” Pacers center Myles Turner said. “I mean, they’re a very accommodating group, especially because their players in the organization, something they take a lot of pride in. So it’s going to be amazing just to have my peoples up there and just restless to have the support. It’s going into a hostile environment, so just take as much support as you can.”

wishtv.com

Scott Agness: Pacers owner Herb Simon, who was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame this month, now has a banner in the west rafters next to his late brother, Mel.

Twitter

Per tradition, each individual is able to select previous Hall of Fame inductees to accompany and present them on stage. It is a special honor for all involved. Herb Simon has made his selections: Larry Bird, former Pacers head coach and executive | class of 1998; Reggie Miller, first-round pick in 1987 | class of 2012; Tamika Catchings, first-round pick in 2001 | class of 2020

Fieldhouse Files

Scott Agness: It's a significant day at @PacersSportsEnt. Rick Fuson is now officially retired — 40 years to the date that he started with PS&E. (He will remain an advisor for Herb Simon.) Taking over as CEO is Mel Raines.

Twitter

Indiana Pacers: "It's wonderful to see his steady leadership and service to the game of basketball recognized by the Hall of Fame." NBA Commissioner Adam Silver on Herb Simon being named to the @Hoophall Class of 2024.

Twitter