Rich Paul used the latest episode of the Game Over podcast to walk listeners through every realistic landing spot for LeBron James as the veteran entered free agency with an “open mind.” Paul made it clear that Indiana was not on his list, a point that set the stage for a broader conversation about the Pacers.

Co-host Max Kellerman seized the moment to spotlight Indiana, labeling the team a “sleeper” in the Eastern Conference simply because few fans were talking about them. Kellerman framed the Pacers as a hidden gem capable of shaking up the East’s playoff picture if they receive the right attention.

Kellerman reminded listeners that the Pacers were a “nightmare matchup” for the Knicks the year before, knocking the New York team out of the playoffs. The Knicks, as Kellerman noted, went on to win the championship the following season, underscoring how Indiana’s win had a ripple effect. He also recounted a Game Seven against Oklahoma City in which the Pacers were tied at halftime before losing their best player to injury and ultimately the game. Kellerman asked, “Who’s to say they wouldn’t have won that game? They might have won the title,” emphasizing the thin margin between a deep run and a missed opportunity.

The core of Kellerman’s argument rests on the Pacers’ defensive identity. He highlighted their ability to neutralize high-powered offenses, citing the Knicks matchup as proof that they can frustrate elite teams. By forcing opponents into low-percentage shots and maintaining disciplined rotations, the Pacers demonstrate a level of toughness that often goes unnoticed when the media focuses on flashier markets.

While LeBron’s list of destinations currently excludes Indiana, Kellerman suggests that the Pacers deserve a seat at the table. If the team decides to add a veteran shooter or a trade package, they could re-enter the conversation as a legitimate contender. Even without a blockbuster move, the existing core provides a realistic path to the Eastern Conference’s upper tier, and a quiet, defensively disciplined squad could become a decisive factor in any championship chase.