Fieldhouse Files: Scott Agness on the Indiana Pacers

By Scott AgnessSports Basketball

Fieldhouse Files: Scott Agness on the Indiana Pacers episodes

May 09, 2023Mad Ants are Indy bound with a full rebrand coming
On this episode of the Fieldhouse Files podcast, I’m talking about the Pacers’ G League affiliate, the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, who are officially moving to Indy, playing home games at a proposed arena in Noblesville, Indiana and will be undergoing a full rebranding. Fort-Wayne based Mad Ants reporter Justin Cohn joins to discuss.
Among the items discussed on this episode:
Another “very significant day” for Pacers Sports & Entertainment

A full breakdown of what went down Monday

What this move means to the Mad Ants and Pacers

Then, Justin Cohn on how the Pacers failed the Mad Ants (12:00)
Pacers Sports & Entertainment ⁠officially bought the Mad Ants on Sept. 9, 2015⁠.
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Follow Scott on ⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, and read his work on ⁠⁠fieldhousefiles.com⁠⁠.
33 min
April 22, 2023That's a wrap on the Pacers' 2022-23 season
On this episode of the Fieldhouse Files podcast, let’s review this past season: a 10-win improvement on last year, exceeding expectations but also returning to the script and in the lottery for the third straight offseason. And hopefully it’s for the last time in a decade.
Among the items discussed on this episode:
Adapting in my 11th season on the Pacers beat

A year without expectations, instead about growth and development in Year 2 of a rebuild (5:25)

The four who had career seasons (14:45)

Two areas that must be improved for next season (23:20)

Two of their five draft picks unknown and what to root for (30:00)
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Follow Scott on ⁠Twitter⁠ and ⁠Instagram⁠, and read his work on ⁠fieldhousefiles.com⁠.
36 min
March 07, 2023Remembering David Benner with Conrad Brunner, and an Aussie's visit to Indy
On this episode of the Fieldhouse Files podcast, I’ll touch on the Pacers’ four-game road trip, the offensive showcase in a loss to the 76ers; then bring on former Pacers writer Conrad Brunner to share memories of longtime PR director David Benner … and then Justin, a Pacers fan from down under and part of The Paceroos Podcast, talks about his visit.
Among the items discussed on this episode:
3-1 road trip, morning shootaround at Buddy Hield’s home and a team dinner at a Dallas steakhouse.

Using the road trip to continue to build, grow and coming together as a team while principles are reinforced. (4:30)

A pitiful performance in San Antonio, but George Hill was home and started.

Tyrese Haliburton continuing to elevate his game. (8:40)

Krissy Myers on Benner (12:40)

Remembering DB with Conrad Brunner (14:10)

Justin on his Indy experience, flying in from Australia to attend two games (31:46)
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47 min
February 28, 2023Pacers in February: Turner's extension, trade deadline moves, scenes from All-Star weekend
On this episode of the Fieldhouse Files podcast, I’ll get you caught up on a very busy February for the Indiana Pacers. A contract extension, action at the trade deadline and many representatives at All-Star weekend.
Among the items discussed on this episode:
Pacers being 27-35 — losing 16 of 19 games entering the break

Why Myles Turner’s contract extension made sense for both sides

Pacers waiving Goga Bitadze, Terry Taylor and James Johnson to complete the trade — then bringing Johnson back

Buddy Hield beating Reggie Miller’s record for 3s in a season

My Salt Lake City experience

The questions to players that were so aggravating on media day

Six players representing the franchise, plus over 70 representatives from Indy to scout it out for next year

Kendall Brown having season-ending surgery (the news broke during the recording)
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46 min
January 11, 2023Pacers (23-18) at the midpoint — with analyst Eddie Gill
On this episode of the Fieldhouse Files, it’s time for a midseason report. TV analyst (and former Pacer) Eddie Gill joins to break down the Pacers’ first 41 games.
Among the items discussed on this episode:
The 23-18 start and how surprising it has been … to everyone

His role as an analyst on Bally Sports Indiana and the Pacers Radio Network (1:25)

On the Pacers’ magic in the first three months and quickly coming together (3:45)

Impact of Tyrese Haliburton (6:45)

How players know their roles and they’re ego-free (11:15)

Biggest surprise/breakout player not named Andrew Nembhard (14:00)

Rick Carlisle evolving as a head coach (17:30)

Getting Chris Duarte involved and going (22:40)

Managing and improving on their slow starts (24:30)
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29 min
January 06, 2023Pacers piling up wins, playing with joy and what it means for the trade deadline
On this episode of the Fieldhouse Files, I’ll get you caught up on all that’s happened in the last few weeks with the Pacers, discuss what’s special about this group, Tyrese Haliburton leading the way, considerations at the trade deadline and much more.
Among the items discussed on this episode:
Change in fan expectations? (2:30)

The Pacers’ surprising start and what’s working well (5:45)

Strong Pacers representation for each monthly NBA award (9:00)

Role players shining and a few players outside the rotation (15:00)

Considerations leading up to the trade deadline (17:00)

A breakdown of Myles Turner’s situation and future (20:30)

Haliburton’s candidacy for the All-Star game (27:30)

Chris Duarte trying to recapture his role (30:43)

My experience at the G League Showcase (34:30)
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40 min
November 23, 2022Return of the (Michael) Grady, TV voice of the Timberwolves
On this episode of the Fieldhouse Files, I’ll discuss the Pacers’ great start to the season (10-6) and what’s working. Then, I’ll be joined by Indy’s own Michael Grady, now the television voice of the Minnesota Timberwolves on Bally Sports North.
Among the items discussed on this episode:
Pacers’ early-season success and the contributing factors (2:30)

Bench success and Myles Turner embracing his role (7:43)

Notable stats — second in assists, third in 3-pointers (10:50)

Grady on his new role and the first month (14:45)

His mom passing away on Aug. 8, deciding soon after to take the job (15:30)

What he learned from Ian Eagle, who always “meets the moment” (22:10)

How he thinks so highly of Slick & Nancy Leonard and is incorporating “BOOM!” into broadcasts (24:30)

Pacers finally back on track and committed to excellence? (27:00)
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31 min
November 03, 2022NBA reporter Jake Fischer on leaguewide issues, lessons from The Process, and the present Pacers
On this episode of the Fieldhouse Files, I’m bringing in a national perspective. I’m joined by Jake Fischer, senior NBA reporter for Yahoo Sports.
Among the items discussed on this episode:
Jake on how attention and storylines are all on issues off from the court (5:38)

His takeaways from The Process after starting on the 76ers beat with Liberty Ballers (11:30)

The key for the Pacers and other teams amidst a rebuild (16:45)

Pacers being all-in on Tyrese Haliburton — and his maturity (23:10)

Why would the Pacers want to deal with the Lakers? (26:20)

Pacers’ pursuit of Deandre Ayton (33:00)
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37 min
October 28, 2022Takeaways from the Pacers' first week
On this episode of the Fieldhouse Files, I look back at the first week of games, share my takeaways and other stories you may have missed.
Among the items discussed on this episode:
Rick Carlisle returning home to celebrate his daughter Abby

Myles Turner’s left ankle sprain, how it happened and then returning in Chicago

Nuggets from recent stories: Trevelin Queen, Mathurin’s homemade meal, City Edition jersey design confirmed, KP’s message to fans and more.

Daniel Theis’ current status (18:40)

Team issues from the first week — defense and starts to games (20:00)

Player observations (24:43)

Bennedict Mathurin’s strong start and a teaching moment (30:27)
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36 min
October 05, 2022Pacers President/COO Mel Raines on $360M in renovations to Gainbridge Fieldhouse
On this episode of the Fieldhouse Files, Mel Raines, president and & chief operating officer of Pacers Sports & Entertainment, makes her first appearance on the show. We discussed the significant improvements made to and around Gainbridge Fieldhouse, what the new setup is like and what to expect.
“It’s very much a new building that people will be coming back into this fall,” she said.
Among the items discussed on this episode:
Oct. 4, 2022 being 500 days out from the 2024 NBA All-Star Game.

Notable change at training camp and two names I hear repeatedly.

How the Pacers will treat the preseason and a few things I’ll be watching for.

Then … Mel provides a throughout update on Phase 3 of renovations. (11:30)

Dates when certain areas will be completed, including the new Kroger SkyDeck.

How the plaza could be utilized — sunrise yoga, happy hour concerts, farmers market, etc.

Her path from IU to politics to sports — and now having a significant role.
The Details
Total of $360 million spent on upgrades, plus another $18 million in capital expenditures or necessary upgrades.

First event back: Oct. 2, Post Malone

Team Store reopens: Oct. 3, plus a new store on the balcony level at games

Kroger SkyDeck: Targeting the end of November to open

Bicentennial unity plaza: Projecting to be done May 2023

Entertainment complex building: End of 2023; restaurant, speakeasy and an entertainment space just east of the plaza.
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Follow Scott on Twitter and Instagram, and read his work on fieldhousefiles.com.
38 min

About Fieldhouse Files: Scott Agness on the Indiana Pacers

From the publisher's feed

Fieldhouse Files is a Pacers podcast from reporter Scott Agness, who's been around The Fieldhouse since 2003. He delivers comprehensive coverage of the team, tracking how the Pacers are performing on…