The Indiana Pacers are navigating a turbulent offseason, with tensions rising following LeBron James’ public criticism of the team and head coach Rick Carlisle’s candid comments about the potential starting center for the upcoming season. The departure of longtime center Myles Turner to the Milwaukee Bucks has left the Pacers searching for answers, and recent developments suggest a new direction for the franchise.
## LeBron James’ Frustration with the Pacers
NBA superstar LeBron James, now with the Los Angeles Lakers, recently expressed frustration with the Pacers following their collapse in Game 1 of the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics. According to reports, James criticized the team’s late-game execution, particularly their turnovers in critical moments that allowed Boston to force overtime and secure the victory. “They had it in their hands and just let it slip away,” James said, pointing to a lack of composure under pressure.[](https://www.spox.com/nba/listen/lebron-james-kritisiert-indiana-pacers-nach-kollaps-coach-rick-carlisle-nimmt-schuld-auf-sich/6775741)
James’ comments come in the wake of the Pacers’ remarkable but ultimately unsuccessful 2025 NBA Finals run, where they fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder in a dramatic Game 7. The loss was compounded by an Achilles injury to star guard Tyrese Haliburton, which sidelined him for much of the game and left the team reeling. James, a vocal observer of the league, seems to view the Pacers’ inability to close out games as a recurring issue, a sentiment that has sparked debate among fans and analysts.[](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45564723/pacers-tyrese-haliburton-helped-lower-right-leg-injury-game-7-nba-finals-vs-thunder)
## Rick Carlisle’s Blunt Take on the Starting Center Role
Amid the scrutiny, Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle has stirred the pot with comments about the team’s plans to replace Turner at center. With Turner signing a four-year, $108.9 million deal with rival Milwaukee, Carlisle appears ready to move forward with a new approach. When asked about Turner’s exit, Carlisle offered a concise three-word response: “We’ll be fine.” This statement, while confident, hinted at a shift in strategy and sparked speculation about who will anchor the Pacers’ frontcourt.[](https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/pacers_rick_carlisle_has_3_word_response_to_myles_turner_surprise_exit/s1_16628_42462770)
Carlisle’s enthusiasm for third-year big man Isaiah Jackson suggests he could be the frontrunner to start at center. In a recent interview on the *Green Light with Chris Long* podcast, Carlisle praised Jackson’s athleticism, calling him “one of the best athletes I’ve ever seen in any sport.” He highlighted Jackson’s stride and ability to elevate, describing them as “otherworldly.” At 23, Jackson is seen as a rim-running big with significant upside, though his lack of an outside shot may limit his fit in today’s stretch-big-heavy NBA.[](https://8points9seconds.com/rick-carlisle-says-quiet-part-out-loud-about-potential-pacers-starting-big-man)
However, Carlisle also indicated that the Pacers might employ a committee approach at center, with Jay Huff, James Wiseman, and Tony Bradley all in the mix. “We’re going to experiment a little and audition a few guys,” Carlisle said, acknowledging the challenge of replacing Turner’s rim protection and three-point shooting. This openness about the team’s plans has been interpreted by some as Carlisle “saying the quiet part out loud,” revealing a lack of a clear successor to Turner and a potential gap year for the Pacers as they adjust to their new reality.[](https://8points9seconds.com/rick-carlisle-says-quiet-part-out-loud-about-potential-pacers-starting-big-man)
## The Myles Turner Void
Turner’s departure to Milwaukee has left a significant void. As a prototypical stretch five, Turner averaged 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game last season while providing elite shot-blocking and floor-spacing. His move to a rival team stings, especially after the Pacers’ lowball offer reportedly soured negotiations. Carlisle’s comments during the NBA Finals suggested he wanted Turner back, but the front office’s decision to let him walk indicates a willingness to pivot to a younger, more athletic core.[](https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/pacers_rick_carlisle_has_3_word_response_to_myles_turner_surprise_exit/s1_16628_42462770)[](https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/pacers_rick_carlisle_has_3_word_response_to_myles_turner_surprise_exit/s1_16628_42462770)
The Pacers’ new-look center rotation will likely emphasize lob plays and rim-running, with Jackson’s athleticism as the centerpiece. However, his recovery from an Achilles injury raises questions about his durability, and none of the other options—Huff, Wiseman, or Bradley—have proven themselves as consistent starters.[](https://8points9seconds.com/rick-carlisle-says-quiet-part-out-loud-about-potential-pacers-starting-big-man)
## LeBron’s Critique and the Bigger Picture
LeBron James’ criticism of the Pacers may stem from his own experiences facing them during their Victor Oladipo-led era, when they pushed his Cleveland Cavaliers to the brink. His comments reflect a broader narrative about the Pacers’ identity: a talented, fast-paced team that struggles to execute in clutch moments. With Haliburton’s injury recovery ongoing and the center position in flux, the Pacers face an uphill battle to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference.[](https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/teams/indiana_pacers/71)
Carlisle, however, remains optimistic. Known for his ability to adapt, the veteran coach is leaning on his experience to guide a young roster through this transition. His recent comments about Luka Doncic and LeBron James’ fit with the Lakers suggest he’s unafraid to speak candidly about the league’s stars, and his praise for Jackson indicates confidence in the team’s future.[](https://bolavip.com/en/nba/pacers-hc-rick-carlisle-addresses-concerns-about-luka-doncic-and-lebron-james-fit)
## What’s Next for the Pacers?
As the Pacers prepare for the 2025-26 season, all eyes will be on how Carlisle manages the center rotation and whether Jackson can emerge as a reliable starter. The team’s fast-paced, high-scoring style—ranked second in the NBA for points per game last season—will need to evolve to accommodate a less polished frontcourt. Meanwhile, LeBron’s comments serve as a reminder of the scrutiny the Pacers face as they aim to build on their Finals appearance.[](https://hoopshype.com/rumor/930570/)
For now, Carlisle’s bold statements and the Pacers’ roster decisions signal a team in transition, ready to embrace a new era while weathering the growing pains that come with it. Whether they can silence critics like James and prove they’re “fine” without Turner remains to be seen.
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