what happened?

[J*R*23]

Okay in my opinion, it all started with Ron Artest. A year ago, many thought that the pacers had a good chance of winning the finals. Now, many see the coming years as rebuilding years. i think the fall of the pacers was one of the quickest descents in the nba. I think Ron Artest is to blame, what do you think?

[Dynasty]

You are absolutely on the money here.  I have watched every Pacers game in this time, and it is so sad, because this man is a special talent.  He has literally ruined the last four seasons however.

2002-03- Artest's breakout year, Pacers win 48 games.  Artest however is suspended numerous times for throwing monitors, flagrant fould, etc., etc.  Pacers could have won 56 or more and been the top team in the east.  Instead, he chokes in the playoffs and they lose in the first round.

2003-04-Pacers win 61 games, and Artest wins DPOY.  Pacers make conference finals but an Artest flagrant loses game 6.  Pacers lose in 6.

2004-05-Asks for time off to record rap album, brawl in Auburn Hills.  We all know the rest.

2005-06-Artest asks to be traded in December, and is deactivated until Feb., when he is traded.

It's such a shame, because he has the talent to be the franchise player.  Watching this team, JO would be the perfect complement to Artest.  If these two just weren't so stupid.  This team has had the talent to win multiple titles, but it's all Artest's fault.

[Josh]

I think Artest is a big part of it.

to me, it just looks like they've lost the joy, so to speak.  it looks like a job.  it's got to be enjoyable, playing basketball.

[Kilogram]

I don't think it was only Artest. Sure he had a whole lot to do with it. Being without our 2nd option and best defender for all of 2004-2005, and a good portion of 2005-2006 (before we got Peja).

I also thing injuries was the main factor. Tinsley, when healthy is one of the best point guards in the league. And he only played 40 games this year and last year. Jermaine O'Neal is also one of the league's finest and he has only played 40-50 games the past two years. Jeff Foster is a very good rebounder and he is almost always injured also. Pollard was injured a lot also, so most of the time we never had a healthy big man.

[Frantz]

I don't think it was only Artest. Sure he had a whole lot to do with it. Being without our 2nd option and best defender for all of 2004-2005, and a good portion of 2005-2006 (before we got Peja).

I also thing injuries was the main factor. Tinsley, when healthy is one of the best point guards in the league. And he only played 40 games this year and last year. Jermaine O'Neal is also one of the league's finest and he has only played 40-50 games the past two years. Jeff Foster is a very good rebounder and he is almost always injured also. Pollard was injured a lot also, so most of the time we never had a healthy big man.

Exact!
I would add Jonathan Bender, a big talent but he played 76 games in 3 seasons...

[Craig_Hodges_Is_My_Hero]

Rick Carlisle's system is just too constricting.  He does a great job with a low talent level but when all the pieces are there, he can't put it together.  He calls out every damn play and it get so boring, you gotta give the team some freedom.

Plus the players suck.  Jermaine is highly overrated and overpaid, Tinsley is never consistent, Jackson is a pain in the ***.  They just constantly *** and moan and need to grow up.

[tmhorn15]

The team and management should have recognized Artest for what he is, a natural leader that will excel when he has the responsibility.  JO and Jackson will never grow up (or Harrison as long as Jackson and O'Neal are there).  I guess JO always says the right things at the right time.  Now, his actions need to back up his mouth.