Pacers Season Look Ahead Ft. Kevin Bowen

Alex Golden is joined by Kevin Bowen of 93.5 and 107.5 The Fan for a wide-ranging conversation previewing one of the most anticipated Pacers seasons in years. The guys start with something that feels noticeably different around this team: championship expectations are real—and the Pacers aren't running from them. For the first time since trading for Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana enters a season openly talking about competing for an NBA championship. Alex and Kevin discuss how much expectations have changed, the pressure that comes with them and why this season feels different from the previous stages of the Haliburton era. Of course, so much of that begins with Tyrese's return. The Pacers haven't been shy about admitting just how much they missed Haliburton last season. Kevin and Alex discuss what Indiana looks like with its franchise player back, what realistic expectations should be after a full season away and just how quickly Tyrese can get this team operating at the level we've seen in the past. Then, the attention turns to Ivica Zubac. How does Big Zu fit alongside Haliburton and Pascal Siakam? How different will Indiana look with Zubac anchoring the middle? And could his skill set ultimately make this version of the Pacers even more dangerous? Alex and Kevin also dive into Kelly Oubre Jr. replacing Bennedict Mathurin and just how dramatic of a stylistic change that could be for Indiana. That leads into a conversation about Mathurin's post-Pacers career and whether the way things have unfolded since the trade has surprised Kevin. From there, the guys examine a potential concern for Indiana's future: the young talent pipeline is beginning to thin out. What's next for Jarace Walker? How important is this season for his future in Indiana? And with fewer young players waiting in the wings, how will the Pacers continue developing talent while simultaneously trying to win a championship? Plus, Kevin reacts to Braden Smith adding roughly 15-16 pounds of muscle in just a few months and what the former Purdue star's development could mean for his NBA future. Finally, the guys shift over to the Indiana Fever and discuss their fighting chances heading into a decisive Game 3. Championship expectations. Haliburton's return. Zubac's fit. Oubre replacing Mathurin. Jarace's future. Braden Smith's transformation. A loaded Pacers season preview with Kevin Bowen!