Indiana Pacers frequently named in 2023 NBA GM Survey

The Pacers were praised by executives in the GM survey

The 2023 NBA GM Survey, an annual poll performed by NBA.com, is out. All 30 general managers around the association answered a variety of questions about the league.

Due to the wide-ranging nature of the topics, every team has some inclusion in the survey. This year, though, the Indiana Pacers have a lot. As an ascending team with a busy offseason behind them and an exciting future ahead, they were on GM's minds.

It isn't for their high short-term upside, though. The Pacers did not receive a vote from a single GM as a team that could be among the top-four seeds in the Eastern Conference. They are an ascending squad, but they aren't at that level yet.

Here's the questions from which Indiana received praise in the GM survey.

Which player is most likely to have a breakout season in 2023-24?

Indiana Pacers All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton received a vote for the player most likely to have a breakout year in the coming season. Some would call his 2022-23 campaign a breakout effort, but a step forward is certainly possible after getting Team USA experience.

 Which team made the best overall moves this offseason?

The Pacers received praise for their offseason, getting a vote by a GM for having the best offseason in the league. They added Bruce Brown in free agency, traded very little to get Obi Toppin, and drafted Jarace Walker and Ben Sheppard. They didn't have to spend many assets to add important pieces to their team.

What was the most underrated player acquisition?

Speaking of Brown, he received a vote from 7% of the league's GMs when they were asked for the most underrated player addition of the summer. He can help the Pacers in many ways.

Toppin also received a vote in this poll question.

Which team will be most improved in 2023-24?

The Pacers were named by at least one GM as the team that could improve the most in the coming season. They went 35-47 last year but had a solid offseason, as outlined above.

"I need to be in the playoffs. That's the goal," Haliburton said in May. He is tired of losing, and he wants the team to take a jump.

What was the most surprising move of the offseason?

Multiple decision makers voted Indiana's addition of Bruce Brown to be among the most surprising of the summer. It was difficult for his prior team, the Denver Nuggets, to re-sign Brown given his contract status, and there was some sticker shock with Brown's two-year, $45 million deal. But the Pacers needed to use cap space, and that was the price to get Brown on a nice deal with a team option on the second season.

Which head coach makes the best in-game adjustments?

Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle received a few votes in this category. He is known as a tactician, and the blue and gold often get creative with their pace and lineups. They are hard to scout because of how seemingly random their style is, yet it is all controlled.

Which head coach runs the best offense?

Carlisle again received multiple votes from GMs in this department. His Pacers were great on offense last year when Haliburton was on the court, and Carlisle helped set the team's identity. He let go of some play-calling duties last year, but his mind for offense is still among the best on the planet.

Which active player will make the best head coach someday?

Unsurprisingly, T.J. McConnell was on multiple ballots for this question. His dad is a high school coach, and McConnell has all the leadership abilities and game knowledge to be one himself someday. His people skills are impressive as well.

Haliburton also received a vote in this category.

Which team is the most fun to watch?

Indiana grabbed one vote here. Their fast-paced style is a delight to take in, though they need to improve their defense to be as joyous as possible. Their fans found the team enjoyable last season, but the postseason is needed to up the stakes, and fun, this year for the Pacers.

Which team has the most promising young core?

One GM thinks the Pacers have the most promising young core in the league. Toppin, Haliburton, Bennedict Mathurin, Andrew Nembhard, Walker, Aaron Nesmith, and Sheppard all have less than four years of NBA experience.

Which player is the best passer?

Haliburton took home one vote in this category, though it's hard to argue the answer isn't Nikola Jokic. His passing just carried Denver to a championship, and he received two-thirds of the votes.

The full GM survey can be found here.

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• Buddy Hield discusses his contract situation and future with the Indiana Pacers. CLICK HERE.
• Three takeaways from the Indiana Pacers preseason loss to the Houston Rockets. CLICK HERE.
• Obi Toppin and Myles Turner are a growing frontcourt partnership for the Indiana Pacers. CLICK HERE.
• What can the Indiana Pacers do better on defense this year? Well, everything. CLICK HERE.
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