Indiana Pacers forward T.J. Warren never wanted any part of the Nate Bjorkgren era. In fact, he allegedly wanted out of Indiana as soon as Bjorkgren was hired.
Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer reported Warren was never consulted prior to the Pacers' decision to hire Bjorkgren to replace Nate McMilan as head coach.
Fischer added the bubble sensation sought a trade immediately after Bjorkgren was hired. It also appears Warren may have undergone season-ending surgery in March in part so he wouldn't have to play for Bjorkgren for the remainder of the season:
“Nor did they consult with last year's Orlando Bubble breakout player T.J. Warren—who played under Bjorkgren in Phoenix—according to sources,” Fischer wrote. “When news of Bjorkgren's hire became public, Warren requested a trade from the Pacers, according to sources.
“It’s believed that Warren even opted for an elective season-ending surgery in March, both to better serve his recovery from a stress fracture in his left foot and also to avoid playing for Bjorkgren for the remainder of this season.”
It seems rather curious the Pacers would not seek out Warren's input since he had experience playing for Bjorkgren with the Phoenix Suns and had very clearly established himself as a key member of Indiana's core in the bubble. Regardless, the organization is in a potentially perilous spot.
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported Bjorkgren's job is in jeopardy, adding the first-year head coach has “significant” work to do in terms of building or managing relationships with players. He has one more guaranteed year, but might not survive the summer if the Pacers feel retaining him could alienate the locker room.
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