Indiana Pacers head coach Nate Bjorkgren finds himself on the hot seat after just one season with the team. Based on what Pacers president Kevin Pritchard said Monday, Bjorkgren seems to be as good as gone.
Not exactly a ringing endorsement here:
Pritchard added that he and Bjorkgren will have many conversations in the future. https://t.co/q5SOj4wD17
— Tony East (@TEastNBA) May 24, 2021
"I'm not committing either way," Pritchard said of Nate Bjorkgren bring back next season.
— Tony East (@TEastNBA) May 24, 2021
Toward the end of a difficult season, reports started to emerge about Bjorkgren's communication issues with the team and coaching staff. There were also some really juicy rumors about T.J. Warren's supposed disdain for Bjorkgren and a desire to leave because of his hiring, though Warren has steadfastly denied them.
Regardless of just how much of the noise is true, Bjorkgren certainly shouldn't be feeling too comfortable and should probably have that resume handy. After all that has happened, it would be hard to have him return to the team.
It's quite the turn of events after the Pacers hired Bjorkgren off Nate Nurse's Toronto Raptors coaching staff to replace Nate McMillan last offseason. Indiana had high expectations coming into this season and got off to a good start, but things soon went off the rails.
A plethora of injuries, including to Warren and other key players, didn't help matters. The Pacers stumbled to a 34-38 record to get the No. 9 spot in the Eastern Conference. While Indy demolished the Charlotte Hornets in the first play-in game, the second play-in game against the Washington Wizards was a total bloodbath that ended the season for Bjorkgren and Co.
Perhaps Bjorkgren survives, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see the plug pulled on his tenure in the near future.
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