Setting The Pace: A Pacers Podcast

Big DAVE from the CHGO Bulls Podcast joins for an incredibly deep conversation on the current state of the Chicago Bulls and their future. The guys discuss all of the offseason moves that were made and whether they were good or bad deals. Then the guys dive into the roster overall, layout a depth chart heading into the season, and discuss which players are most important to the Bulls success moving forward. Lastly, the guys look at potentially making trades or riding out the season and entering with significant cap space! Fun convo with several Pacers parallels. The guys also touch on Wrestlepalooza, which headlines John Cena vs Brock Lesnar and hear Big DAVE's opinion on the WWE in general.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Golden and Mike Facci are joined by Rohan Katti of the Gyro Step Podcast of GSPN to discuss the Milwaukee Bucks upcoming season. The guys go back and forth asking Rohan about the current state of the Bucks and what the future looks like with this group. They dive into Turner's arrival, the lack of wing depth, needing more point guard depth and what the ceiling and floor is for this Giannis led group.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As we continue our Central Division Previews, we take a break from the other teams in the division and focus on your Indiana Pacers. Facci and I answer the following 8 questions and have a lengthy discussion about the upcoming year for the blue and gold.  Questions:1. How can Indiana avoid the overused phrase “gap year” for next season? 2. Which players need to take the biggest step forward in order for Indiana to reach its’ ceiling with this core? 3. Pascal Siakam rebranded his style of play to an extent in order to fit the Pacers system. What more can Siakam do to take another step forward, or is this is ceiling? 4. What do you view as the biggest area of weakness for the Pacers?5. Now on the flip side of that question, what do you view as the biggest strength for the Pacers?6. Rank the 5 most important Pacers for next season. 7. Do you see a trade for this team during the season, if so is there a player you’d like to see Indiana target?8. What would you consider a successful season for the Pacers?  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Golden and Mike Facci kickoff the show discussing the Colts big win over the Broncos on Sunday, as Facci's favorite football team, the Denver Broncos choked away a victory with a costly penalty on the 60 yard field goal attempt. After a brief discussion on the Colts, the guys talk about the Cavaliers with Bob Schmidt of the Fear The 'Fro Podcast. With Cleveland expected to win the East once again this season, there are a lot of question marks with this team and reaching expectations. The guys also look at the Cavs current salary cap situation and what type of moves they could make to better their roster!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Golden is joined by Bryce Simon from The Pistons Pulse to discuss the Detroit Pistons upcoming season. In this preview, the guys go in-depth on the Pistons team and also jump into a good discussion on the Pacers.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today, Alex and Facci draft 16 of the 17 players on the Pacers roster to form teams of 8 each. At the end of the season, the guys will see who drafted the better team by tallying up the stats and accolades from the season. Play with your friends and make your own rules! Let us know if you do and how your team turned out!Then, the guys get into their Western Conference Standings Predictions. How many similarities do Alex and Facci have this time? Not nearly as many as they did for the East...definitely a great discussion about the West and how the guys see it playing out.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today's episode of STP, Alex and Facci react to the Pacers training camp signing of Jalen Slawson and other team related news involving multiple public appearances for Tyrese Haliburton.Then, the guys share 10 Bold Predictions for the upcoming NBA Season!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex and Facci each share 3 Bold Predictions for the upcoming Pacers season and then they discuss the 2020 NBA Draft Class, specifically the redraft done by Sam Vecenie and Bryce Simon of The Game Theory Podcast.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today, Alex Golden is joined by David Cole and Carson Stafford to determine where the new Pacers center duo ranks against the other starting centers in the league. The guys use the player ratings from NBA 2K26 to compare where they have them ranked. This episode was full of differing opinions on certain centers which led to some great conversations. Here is a list of the centers that were ranked/discussed: Karl Towns, Joel Embiid, Porzingis, Okongwu, Jarrett Allen, Myles Turner, Nikola Vucevic, Jalen Duren, Jakob Poeltl, Alex Sarr, Kel'el Ware, Nic Claxton, Wendall Carter Jr., Jay Huff, Isaiah Jackson, Mason Plumlee, Diabate and Queta. Players 11-15 (0:00 - 28:40)Players 6-10 (28:46-57:24)Players 1-5 (57:26 -1:34:12) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today, Alex and Facci rank all 15 starting power forwards in the Eastern Conference. The guys compare their rankings to how NBA 2k26 had their power forwards rated. The guys finally had differing opinions with their lists, which caused for a good debate...but the real question is, where did the guys land on Siakam for starting power forwards in the East this season? Side note, the players selected were from a variety of websites that listed each team's depth chart based on last year's data and projecting into this season... Here are NBA 2K26's ratings:Jalen Johnson - 81, Chris Boucher - 73, Noah Clowney - 73, Miles Bridges - 80, Patrick Williams - 75, Evan Mobley - 89, Tobias Harris - 80, Pascal Siakam - 89, Bam Adebayo (Kal’el Ware at C) - 88, Giannis Antetokounmpo - 97, OG Anunoby - 85, Paolo Banchero - 90, Paul George - 81,Scottie Barnes - 85, Khris Middleton - 79  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today, Alex Golden and Mike Facci discuss Facci's big weekend, where he put on his cape and became Super Dad for his daughter Maddie playing a carnival game. Then, the guys get into the weeds and look at the starting wings (shooting guards and small forwards) in the Eastern Conference. Alex and Facci rank from 1-15 each wing duo in the East and explain why they ranked Nesmith and Mathurin in the position they did against the other duos for the 2025-2026 season. They pulled data from NBA 2k26 for rankings and used a variety of websites to determine who was projected to be the starting shooting guard and small forward of each team. Here is a list of the duos that were ranked by NBA 2K26:Hawks: 81.5 | Daniels - 83 + Risacher - 80Celtics:  88.5 | White - 87 + Brown - 90Nets: 81 | Thomas - 80 + Porter Jr - 82Hornets: 81 | Sexton - 80 + Miller - 82Bulls:  79.5 | White - 83 + Huerter - 76Cavs: 86.5 | Mitchell - 93 + Hunter (Strus hurt) - 80Pistons: 80 | Ivey - 79 + Ausar - 81Pacers: 80 | Mathurin - 79 + Nesmith - 81Heat:  83 | Herro - 86 + Wiggins - 80Bucks: 77 | Trent Jr - 77 + Kuzma - 77 Knicks: 82.5 | Hart - 81 + Bridges - 84 Magic: 84.5 | Bane - 83 + Wagner - 8676ers:  79 | McCain (could be Edgecomb) - 80 + Oubre Jr - 78Raptors: 83 | Barrett (Could be Dick) - 82 + Ingram - 84 Wizards: 79.5 | McCollum - 81 + Coulibaly - 78   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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).  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 & JamieHot 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 NotHot 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 DavisWho 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 OgrenHot 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 HurshIf 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 DrabingWhat are your predictions on the Pacers upcoming OFF and DEF rankings among the league this coming season? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.