Pacers took a step back this season. This was Larry Brown's last season coaching the Pacers and he and Jalen Rose had a rift to the point where Jalen Rose got 15 straight DNP's (did not play). They would get Mark Jackson back via a trade but it was too late at that point and the didn't make the playoffs. Larry Brown resigned and then Larry Bird was coach the next season.
I remember this season. They lost a lot of close games - games that I would venture to say that they should have won. They really turned it around for the following season though - and that was without question my favourite season - not just as a Reggie Miller fan, but as a basketball fan in general. Especially the 1998 Eastern Conference Finals between my two favourite teams, the Pacers and the Bulls. Ah, the memories!! 🏀 #classicnba
@R Smith Yes, plus the Pacers endured some bad injuries, which contributed to losing close games during the season. The players were done listening to Larry Brown. I think the rift between Brown and Jalen Rose stems from the front office trading Mark Jackson to Denver for Rose. Brown hated coaching young players and did whatever he could to force him out. Thankfully, Donnie Walsh believed in Rose and encouraged him to stay patient, which paid off greatly when Bird took over and allowed him to play.
