During the off-season, the Pacers hired former Indiana University and Detroit Pistons legend Isiah Thomas as head coach,[2][3][4][5] acquired Jermaine O'Neal from the Portland Trail Blazers,[6][7][8][9] and signed free agent Tyus Edney.
[10][11] With the departures of veteran players from the team that reached the Finals last year, the Pacers got off to a 5–2 start, but then struggled losing six of their next seven games, then later on holding a 21–27 record at the All-Star break.
[12] The Pacers played mediocre basketball all season long, and finished fourth in the Central Division with a record of 41–41.
To qualify for the playoffs, the Pacers needed to win 9 of their final 11 games to secure the #8 seed in the Eastern Conference.
[21][22][23][24][25] The Sixers would reach the NBA Finals, but would lose in five games to the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers.