The NBA tipped off on Oct. 24th, but the offseason had many trades and moves that shifted the upcoming finals odds like never before.
The most recent of all moves saw seven-time All-Star Damian Lillard leave Portland to join Giannis Antetokoumnpo on the Bucks. The Bucks moved to the most likely team to win the finals after the blockbuster trade.
“As a Bucks fan, having a second superstar join Giannis will make our team unbeatable. They will have a great bond and perform highlight reel plays every night,” junior A.J. Sheets said.
The local Indiana Pacers also made some productive moves. They are looking to start the season strong with new additions of NBA champion Bruce Brown and rookie Jarace Walker taken 7th overall.
“I am very happy we got Jarace Walker because he was so good at Houston and is such a good power forward. Now, we have another big man to help out Myles Turner in the paint,” junior Hayden Stringer said.
Hopes are up for Pacers fans with the new acquisitions joining the already-talented, young roster.
“I feel really good about this season because we have our whole starting line-up coming back, including Tyrese Haliburton, who was an All-Star last year. The new guys will all fit right in, too. We are definitely still underdogs, but if we stay healthy, we could make the playoffs,” Stringer said.
Attending games at newly-renovated Gainbridge Fieldhouse, home of the Pacers, brings excitement for all, and for some, it will be a brand-new experience. Exchange student, sophomore, Luis Giner Pérez, eagerly awaits attending his first NBA game.
“I am very excited to go to a basketball game here. I have heard that basketball here is much better than the matches we have in Spain,” Pérez said.
Many people make a trip to Gainbridge, an annual tradition, to experience the electric atmosphere the Pacers play in.
“The Pacers have been really fun to watch in person lately because they have so many players making exciting plays. This year should be ever better with all of the new players we added,” senior Gabby Wegesin said.
The Pacers have their next home game is Monday at 7 p.m. They are facing the Chicago Bulls for the first time of the 2023-2024 season. Tickets start at $16.
