On today's episode of Setting The Pace, Alex Golden and Mike Facci discuss their fantasy football teams and Tyrese Haliburton making his first appearance on a basketball court since his Achilles injury in June. Haliburton posted a video of himself shooting free throws with assistant coach, Isaac Yacob rebounding.

Then, Alex and Facci rank all 15 starting point guards in the Eastern Conference. The guys compare their rankings to how NBA 2k26 had their point guards rated. The guys had similar lists once again, with a couple of differences that caused for a good debate...but the real question is, where did the guys land on Nembhard for starting point guards in the East this season. The guys also discuss where Haliburton would be ranked if healthy and where the NBA 2k ratings had Tyrese in the East.

Players that we ranked against Nembhard: Trae Young (Hawks), LaMelo Ball (Hornets), Bub Carrington (Wizards), Davion Mitchell (Heat), Jalen Suggs (Magic), Immanuel Quickley (Raptors), Tyrese Maxey (76ers), Payton Pritchard (Celtics), Tyson Etienne (Nets), Jalen Brunson (Knicks), Cade Cunningham (Pistons), Kevin Porter Jr. (Bucks), Darius Garland (Cavaliers) and Josh Giddey (Bulls). 

Alex Golden is joined by Gentry Hudson to discuss Pascal Siakam and Jarace Walker working out together in Orlando, Johnny Furphy's upcoming opportunity next year, the addition of Jay Huff and whether or not him or Isaiah Jackson will get the starting 5 spot, Gentry's love for James Wiseman and pitching a potential partnership between the Indiana Pacers, TJ McConnell, Tinker Coffee and Setting The Pace.

In Segment 2, the guys dive into the most offseason topic...ever! NBA Mascots! The guys draft 6 players each in a snake draft, discussing these incredible NBA mascots and what makes them so unique. 

Alex Golden is joined by our fan of the week, Wesley Roth, to discuss the Indiana Pacers and so much more! We learn about Chris Copeland's obsession with a menu item at Wesley's former employer, who would make for a better WWE heel: Jimmy Butler or Tyrese Haliburton, Why Wesley hates Alex's idea of trading for Bam Adebayo, and where he sees the Pacers falling into place in the Eastern Conference. 

Alex Golden and Mike Facci answer the final bunch of August Mailbag Questions:

1). Kevin Cheney 

Who is more of a priority in the long term for this roster, Nesmith or Nembhard?

2). Chuck & Jamie

Hot take: not re-signing James Johnson for a season with no Ty and no Myles is going to be a mistake and have a significant impact on the locker room.

Question: given there’s a chance that Tyrese may never be the same version of himself, causing the style to potentially not be able to be the same, is it worth exploring other styles of play this year with the different personnel they have? (ie Mathurin, Siakam, Jarace)

3). Nate Did Not

Hot Take: James Wiseman will be better than Turner if he can stay healthy…..no this is not because #3 for the Bucks left at all, it’s because James has crazy potential and just needs to stay healthy. 
 

4). DJ Davis

Who steps up this year to show they not only belong in the NBA but with the Pacers and will be a vital part of the Pacers from 2026-27 and beyond?

5). Nick Ogren

Hot take: Jarace Walker puts it together and will be a NBA All-Star in 4 years at the age of 25.  His combination of explosive athleticism, brute strength, savvy court vision, crisp handles, dynamic passing and pure shooting make him an elite wing in the East Conference.

6). Daniel Hursh

If the Pacers decide to trade Mathurin, does it make more sense to wait for the off season and do it as a sign and trade? That way it’ll be easier to match contracts since he’ll be signing for significantly more money than he currently makes.

7). James Wiseman (Really Wise ppl)

Thoughts about the Ben Sheppard fan club?

8). Nathan Drabing

What are your predictions on the Pacers upcoming OFF and DEF rankings among the league this coming season?

On today's episode, Alex Golden and Mike Facci share their Eastern Conference Standings Predictions. The guys start at the 15th spot and work their way up all to #1. This episode was recorded on Monday evening, before the recent news of Max Strus being sidelined for Cleveland for a few months. Let us know what your standings predictions are for the Eastern Conference in the comment section on YouTube or Twitter.

PS: Happy 33rd Birthday Alex! (yes...this is me wishing a happy birthday to myself haha)

Alex Golden and Mike Facci kickoff the show discussing new Pacers assistant coach, Johnny Carpenter. They also discuss James Wiseman choosing #11 to wear this season and the guys play a little jersey number trivia. 

Then, the guys come back after the break and come up with one word for each player. Facci took the simpler route, whereas Alex went the more complex route with much larger words. This was a fun way to discuss each player on the roster and learn more about how Alex and Facci view them. 

On today's episode of Setting The Pace, Alex Golden and Mike Facci talk about the latest coaching news in Indiana. Assistant coach, Mike Weinar, and the Indiana Pacers mutually agreed to part ways on Friday, August 22nd. The guys discuss why he may have departed, who could be in line to replace him and more.

Then, the fellas discuss the recent news from Brett Seigel that the Indiana Pacers have shown interest in Malik Beasley, who is now cleared legally from all gambling related charges. Would he make sense for the Pacers, what would they have to offer financially and how would he fit for this team on the current roster and long term.  

Alex Golden is joined by Bob Schmidt of Fear the Fro' Podcast to discuss 10 players in the Eastern Conference who need to have breakout years. The guys go back and forth, each discussing 5 players that need to have breakout seasons for their franchise. 

Alex Golden reveals who the winner of the Free Ticket Giveaway is for Pacers-Thunder tickets on opening night! Then, Rooster joins Alex to discuss Player Comparisons for Pacers players, all the great people covering the Pacers, retelling the story of when Rooster bought Facci a Wizards jersey, this upcoming season and more!

Alex and Facci join together to answer your mailbag questions and we have a lot to discuss! The guys spend a decent amount of time per question/hot take and dive into some really interesting conversations. 

1). James Azulyoro

Hot take: I grew up during the 90s and until this last season I always put the Reggie-led Pacers as my favorite team ever.  Last season finally bypassed it as my #1 roster…which leads me to the current roster with drastic changes and will that feeling be the same this next year? 

2). Aimee (not Facci, but spelled the same way)

How is Andrew preparing for his new role/roles?

3). Connor Frame

Hot Take: Pacers should package their young developing stars in a trade for an established player for 2026-2027 when Tyrese returns (Walker, Mathurin, Furphy). I do not want this, but I have seen others discuss this possibility. Obviously it always depends on who you can receive.

4). Uncle Ink

Do you think that James Johnson makes his way back into a Pacers uniform this upcoming season? If so how would we make room? And who will have to go to make it happen?

5). Christopher Waltermire (Facci’s future cohost)

Hot Take: I believe Benn M. Will be a superstar once we trade him. He will not be on this roster next year.. It might be the dumbest mistake ever only time will tell. I hope he can workout tho. He reminds me of Kobe. 

6). Adam Ripberger

Who do you guys think breaks out next season and possibly solidifies himself as the 2 next to Hali in 2026-2027? Also if things aren’t going well this season, who is the biggest trade chip you think gets talked about? Thanks guys!