2014 Year in Review

Things happen in sports. Things you can't predict, things you don't deserve, things you learn from. Or should, at least. It's what makes games, teams and seasons interesting.

That's pretty much the summary of the Pacers in the calendar year 2014. They began it with supreme confidence and ultimate ambition, experienced a series of disappointments and setbacks, and ended it with unresolved issues and nagging questions – but legitimate hope for better days.

As midnight approached on Dec. 31, 2013, the Pacers were in Toronto, eagerly awaiting a new year and the continuation of a great season. Their record was 25-5 – best in the NBA – after defeating Cleveland earlier in the day at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. They were obviously the best defensive team in the NBA, and arguably the best team, period. They were balanced, deep, mature, and cohesive. They had a budding superstar in Paul George, and seemingly another star in the making in Lance Stephenson, not to mention an All-Star center in Roy Hibbert and a former All-Star and still productive player in David West. They also had a former All-Star in the early stages of a promising comeback from injuries in Danny Granger.

They enter 2015 with an 11-21 record. So, clearly, they are completing an eventful year. Here are their top 10 moments of 2014, in chronological order. It's a year the Pacers are happy to see come to an end as they look for a fresh start.

Jan. 27 - Paul George appears on Jimmy Kimmel Live

Paul George was on quite the roll when he made a nationally televised appearance on Kimmel's talk show on this Monday night. He had been named a starter in the All-Star game the previous Friday, and had wowed the country with an incredible 360-degree reverse dunk in a win over the Clippers nine days earlier and was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week on Jan. 20. The Pacers were in Los Angeles to play the Lakers the following night, and George—who grew up about an hour north of L.A.—took advantage of the opportunity to spread his name and fame.

PHOTO GALLERY: Paul George Named Eastern Conference Player of Week (Jan. 20) »

George handled his appearance smoothly, showing impressive celebrity-like poise for a 23-year-old. But in retrospect it was a foreboding moment, and representative of a new challenge the entire team was facing. He and his teammates were becoming overloaded with national attention that proved to be a distraction. All the magazine covers and national television exposures were chipping away at a team culture that had been as strong as any in franchise history.

Beginning with the loss at Denver two nights before the Kimmel show, George fell into a slump that brought just one good performance over a 10-game stretch in which he averaged 17.5 points on 32.5 percent shooting, and 3.2 turnovers. The game against the Lakers the following night was one of his worst, as he hit just 4-of-21 shot attempts – in a win, however. He made it a point to talk with Kobe Bryant over the All-Star break about handling the pressures and time demands of stardom, and just being around the league's other stars helped reset his outlook.

“I just had a second look on things,” he said later. “When you see a lot of great guys in a group, you kind of learn how to play up to that level. You don't want to lose that level. Looking back and watching those guys, that's the class I want to be part of.

“We're a special team here and I want to be a special player and play at a special level.”

Team president Larry Bird took a gamble and added another All-Star to the mix when he signed free agent center Andrew Bynum. The Pacers already had a center who would be named to the season's All-Star game in Roy Hibbert, and a capable backup in Ian Manhimi, but Bynum brought another element.

He had been injured, sitting out the previous season in Philadelphia, and was caught up in controversy (again) in a short stint with Cleveland earlier in the season, which traded him to Chicago to unload him. Chicago waived him, making him available to the rest of the league, and Bird got him.

Bynum still needed plenty of rehab on his ailing knees, but made his debut against Boston on March 11. The Pacers were riding a four-game losing streak at the time, with the final three of those games coming by double-figure margins on a three-game road trip. Bynum injected hope for a revival against the Celtics by contributing eight points and 10 rebounds in 15 ½ minutes in a 94-83 victory. His teammates used words like “humongous,” and “enormous” to describe his physical presence, and those words seemed equally appropriate for the impact he could have on the team.

Alas, Bynum was able to play in just one more game, an overtime victory at Detroit on March 15, before his knees gave out. Some distant observers would cite his mere appearance on the roster as a reason for the Pacers' late-season struggles, thinking he brought a distraction that affected the play of Hibbert or others. That was a notion that nobody around the team on a regular basis ever believed, and was laughed off or simply denied by the other players. Ultimately, signing Bynum was a small gamble that didn't work out – but could have paid great dividends, based on what he showed in his two appearances.

Feb. 20 - Danny Granger traded for Evan Turner, Lavoy Allen

Granger had entered 2014 with hopes of becoming a vital contributor to a team that had compiled the best record in the league without him. It seemed almost too good to be true for Pacers fans. What if the former All-Star, who had led the team in scoring for five consecutive seasons before knee problems set in, could merely approximate his All-Star level?  Whether Granger came off the bench or started and moved Lance Stephenson to the bench, it seemed like an embarrassment of riches.

It didn't work out. Granger rejoined the Pacers on Dec. 20, and showed early signs of being able to make consistent contributions. He scored in double figures eight times in a 10-game stretch from December to mid-January, but slumped after that. In his 29 appearances before the trade deadline, he averaged 8.3 points on 36 percent shooting. He lacked the lift to finish plays around the basket, and his perimeter shooting was erratic.

Bird wasn't desperate to trade him, but Philadelphia offered a deal he couldn't pass on. The Sixers, mired deep in a major rebuilding plan, gave up Evan Turner – the No. 2 pick in the 2010 draft – and dependable backup Lavoy Allen for Granger, along with a trade exception, with the intent of waiving Granger immediately to cut costs.

PHOTO GALLERY: Danny Granger's Career Highlights »

Granger went on to finish the season with the Clippers. He averaged 8 points on 43 percent shooting in regular season games, but just 2.6 points on 28 percent shooting in 13 playoff appearances.

Turner, meanwhile, brought uneven play to the Pacers. He averaged 7.1 points on 41 percent shooting, but struggled to play off the bench and in limited minutes. But in the six games in which he played more than 25 minutes, he averaged 17.8 points on 58 percent shooting, and hit 7-of-11 three-point shots.

PHOTO GALLERY: Evan Turner's 2013-14 Season »

“The problem you get into when you do these deals is when you bring guys in that are used to playing 30-35 minutes and are all of a sudden down to 12 or 14, are they going to be able to handle that?” Bird said after the season. “Evan seemed like he had to get into the flow of the game before he really got it going.”

Turner, like Bynum, became the subject of analysis from outsiders who believed he damaged the team's internal chemistry. It didn't appear that way to those around the team, however, who saw him linger in the locker room and socialize with teammates far more often than Granger had done. The option on his rookie contract, however, was too steep for Bird to pick up. He became a free agent and signed with Boston in the off-season.

Allen turned out to be the keeper in the deal. He played well enough in limited minutes to convince Bird to sign him to a new contract, and has been a valuable contributor this season with averages of 7.2 points and 7.5 rebounds in 22.4 minutes per game.

PHOTO GALLERY: Lavoy Allen's 2014 At A Glance »

March 28 - "I'm Tired of Talking About It"

There were a variety of reasons for the Pacers' late-season swoon. As David West would say, they were not experienced front-runners, and let the success – and the national attention that came with it – affect their focus. Just as there were many factors in their 16-1 start, there were many in their 8-13 record leading up to the final two regular season games.

Probably the biggest was Roy Hibbert, who had to make the greatest sacrifice to make room for the emergence of George and Stephenson. Those two took about the same number of shots as the other three starters, and Hibbert was often left out of the offense. He wound up taking 105 fewer field goal attempts than the previous season, despite playing 140 more minutes.

PHOTO GALLERY: Roy Hibbert's 2014 At A Glance »

He aired out his frustration following a loss at Washington on March 28, when he told a national NBA reporter the team had “some selfish dudes in here,” adding “I'm tired of talking about it. We've been talking about it for a month.”

That was the flashpoint for the team's poor finish, but Hibbert actually had spoken about it at greater length and more insight with Pacers.com following a win over Philadelphia on March 17, when he addressed his shrunken role in the offense.

“I can't be selfish,” he said then. “Somebody has to sacrifice. I have to sacrifice for this team. Would anybody like to get 15 shots a game? Yeah. You're a human being and you have feelings, but you have to play through it and do what's best for the team.”

His reduced role and perhaps the attention his quote generated seemed to weigh on Hibbert's confidence. He struggled mightily down the stretch of the season, playoffs included, going scoreless in six of the final 23 games. The Pacers lost three of the four playoff games in which he failed to score. It was a dramatic drop from the previous season, when he had played the best basketball of his career in the playoffs. Remember the guy who averaged 22 points and 10 rebounds against Miami in the 2013 Eastern Conference finals.

Hibbert worked hard in the off-season, on his own and with NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, but the results have been mixed so far this season. He enters 2015 with statistics virtually identical to last season, averaging 11 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game.

The Pacers' season was on the brink of disaster on this day, when they were in Atlanta for Game 6 of their first-round series. Trailing 3-2 in the series and 84-79 in the game with three minutes left, West rescued them with a strong finish that brought a 95-88 victory.

West scored 12 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter – eight in the final few minutes – for a resuscitation effort that led to a 92-80 win in Game 7 back in Indianapolis and enabled another run to the Eastern Conference finals.

"He's our rock," Vogel said. “There's no other way to put it.”

The Pacers led Washington 3-2 in the second round of the playoffs after dropping a home game in the series for the second time, and were in danger of losing again in D.C. But West came through again, scoring 29 points in a 93-80 win that sent them back to the conference finals again, and helped everyone forget the late-season slump.

The Pacers had blown a 16-point second-half lead and were trailing by a point with 8 ½ minutes left when West took charge again. His jumper started a 20-6 run that won the game. He went on to hit 13-of-26 shots and add six rebounds and four assists.

PHOTO GALLERY: David West's 2014 At A Glance »

“When David West has that look, when he's assertive and he demands the ball, I know we're in good hands,” Paul George said. “He's never failed us when he's given us that look and he's told us in the huddles, 'Get me the ball.'”

May 28 - Stephenson blows in LeBron's ear

It wasn't a big deal to LeBron James, and it didn't have impact on the outcome of the game, but for many, the most lasting image of the Pacers in 2014 was Lance Stephenson blowing in James' ear during a dead ball in Game 5 of the conference finals at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

PHOTO GALLERY: Lance Stephenson's 2013-14 Season »

The moment was caught on camera and instantly spread to the world and parodies on social media. Just last week, Kevin Garnett reminded everyone of it when he blew – more aggressively – in West's ear in a game in Brooklyn.

Forgotten in all the uproar was that the Pacers won the game, 93-90, to force a Game 6 in Miami. George was sensational with 37 points and a revived Hibbert grabbed 13 rebounds.

Two days later the season ended in Miami, with a 117-92 loss. Contrary to the impression left late in the season, the Pacers won more games (56) and advanced just one less game into the playoffs than the previous season, but the heightened expectations and the fast start made it feel like a disappointment.

July 16 - Stephenson bolts in free agency

The widespread assumption was that Lance Stephenson would stick with the Pacers when the free agency signing period began. He wanted to return, and they wanted him back. But, despite the fact Bird offered every dollar he could without going into luxury tax territory, and a reported video tribute as well, Stephenson took a deal from Charlotte that was only slightly better on an annual basis.

Bird acted quickly when Stephenson's representatives didn't take the initial offer, and didn't respond when asked what they were seeking. He signed C.J. Miles and Rodney Stuckey to fill spots in the backcourt, and moved on.

Stephenson had averaged 13.8 points on 49 percent shooting, and led the team in rebounding (7.2) and assists (4.6). He also led the NBA in triple-doubles with five, a Pacers' single-season record. But he had been a lightning rod for controversy, with his ear-blowing and dramatic flopping and pelvic gyrations to celebrate big plays.

It hasn't gone well for him so far in Charlotte. He finished 2014 on the inactive list because of a pelvic injury and has averaged just 10.2 points on 39 percent shooting, although he's still rebounding well (6.8). To his credit, according to former Pacers associate head coach Brian Shaw, Lance has been playing hurt most of the season. Recently, he's been the subject of trade rumors, so his future is much cloudier heading into the new year than a year ago.

It's a memory that will live forever in the minds of Pacers' fans, and a feeling George won't forget.

On this day, while George was participating in a scrimmage for Team USA in preparations for the FIBA World Cup, George chased down a layup by James Harden early in the fourth quarter and crashed into the basket support. His lower right leg snapped in two, a horrific image for all who have seem it. George would later say it felt like someone had set his leg on fire.

RELATED: Paul George Press Conference Following Injury »

PHOTO GALLERY: Paul George Greeted by Pacers Employees Upon Return »

What initially looked like a possible career-ending injury, however, has turned out to be less tragic. George still is expected to miss all of this season, but is expected to make a complete recovery. He hold out a glimmer of hope that he can return late this season, but it's too soon to predict, and impossible to know, how quickly anyone can heal from a major injury. The good news is that he didn't damage ligaments or tendons, and that the bone should grow back stronger than ever.

PHOTO GALLERY: Paul George Shooting During Pregame Warmups »

There's no way for a team to fully make up for the loss of its best player, however, an All-Star starter and candidate to play for the U.S. Olympic team.

Nov. 19 - Pacers beat Hornets at the buzzer

George's injury was foreboding. As the Pacers got into training camp and the exhibition season, he soon had plenty of company on the injured list. West, George Hill, C.J. Watson, Stuckey, Miles and Ian Manhimi all have missed significant time because of injuries and/or illnesses, so much so that the Pacers received a roster exemption to sign a 16th player, A.J. Price.

Their record has suffered for it, but there is the silver lining of developing the bench. Younger players have received more playing time and improved their games, which perhaps will bring dividends later.  The highlight of the season so far has been an inspiring November stretch in which the depleted roster won five of seven games, including road wins in Miami, Chicago and Dallas.

The highlight of that stretch, though, was a Nov. 19 game against Charlotte, in Stephenson's return to The Fieldhouse. The Pacers won it 88-86 after Solomon Hill made an acrobatic, backward tip-in after Stephenson had nicked Stuckey's jumper and kept it from hitting the rim. Hibbert had one of his better games of the early season, with 18 points and 11 rebounds, Luis Scola had 15 points while starting for West, and Donald Sloan had one of his many solid games with 11. Stephenson didn't do too much damage to his former team, with 10 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.

PHOTO GALLERY: Solomon Hill's 2014 At A Glance »

Hill's play as been one of the positives to come out of the slow start. His defense has been outstanding,  creating the possibility of him teaming with George to give the Pacers two of the best wing defenders in the NBA. George Hill is back now and playing well, as is West. Someday, even if it's next season, Paul George will return as well, creating the possibility of putting a group together much like the one that was dominating at this time last year.

Have a question for Mark? Want it to be on Pacers.com? Email him at askmontieth@gmail.com and you could be featured in his next mailbag.

Note: The contents of this page have not been reviewed or endorsed by the Indiana Pacers. All opinions expressed by Mark Montieth are solely his own and do not reflect the opinions of the Indiana Pacers, their partners, or sponsors.

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Mark Montieth's 2014 Year In Review

After playing back-to-back games in Denver and Minnesota, the Pacers had Monday off. But at least one player was at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on his off day to welcome two very special guests.

Pacers forward Lavoy Allen teamed with Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana to help grant the wishes of Irvin (of Indianapolis) and Juan (of Fort Wayne, IN) on Monday afternoon. Both Irvin and Juan are avid basketball fans and wished to have shopping sprees.

PHOTO GALLERY: Lavoy Allen Helps Grant Holiday Wish »

Irvin, 18, is battling cystic fibrosis and wished for a shopping spree to purchase items for his first year of college. Fighting end stage renal disease, 18-year-old Juan is interested in all things fashion and sports. For his wish, Juan wanted to buy new clothes.

To help make Irvin and Juan’s wishes come true, Allen invited them and their families to The Fieldhouse for a special behind-the-scenes tour.

"It gives me a warm feeling inside, just being able to help other people out, being in the position that I am in," Allen said of the experience. "I'm excited."

Allen wasn't the only one excited for the day. Juan and Irvin were beaming from the moment they met the Pacers forward in the entry pavilion.

Once they arrived and got acquainted, Allen took them out onto the main floor at The Fieldhouse to get an up-close look at an NBA arena. Then, he gave them a quick tour of the team's facilities, including the training room, locker room, and film room.

Finally, Allen brought Irvin and Juan onto the practice court, where he surprised them with Christmas presents he and his family personally picked out and wrapped.

Juan smiled widely as he unwrapped gifts that included a brand new pair of sneakers (which Allen signed for him), Levi's jeans, and a home theater system.

Irvin received a new pair of headphones, Bose speakers, and a new laptop that he can take to college with him.

"I'm so blessed," Irvin told a local news station. "I'm so thankful. I never thought something like this would happen to me."

As Irvin and Juan exited The Fieldhouse, a limousine was waiting for them on Pennsylvania Street to take them to their next destination. Allen, meanwhile, wasn't done giving back.

The Pacers forward then headed to Forest Manor Multi-Service Center, where he helped distribute toys as part of a toy drive for 50 families.

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Lavoy Allen Brightens Holidays for Two Local Teens

INDIANAPOLIS – It started as a simple friendship between two men.  Over the past five years the friendship has provided smiles to nearly 175,000 children throughout Central Indiana.  Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever owner Herb Simon has teamed with his pal, JAKKS Pacific Toys Co-Founder and CEO Stephen Berman to donate toys to various Central Indiana charities over the past five years.  

This month, 20,000 toys will be distributed to various organizations and volunteer groups throughout Central Indiana and as always, the toys will be distributed through the efforts of the Indiana National Guard. These toys are in addition to the 10,000 Halloween costumes JAKKS provided to kids this fall through the efforts of the Indianapolis Fire Dept.

Over the years, JAKKS Pacific and the Pacers and Fever have even provided toys in the summer with a special “Christmas in July” program.  In the summer of 2012, they combined to distribute 14,000 toys to the children of Henryville, Ind., where a major tornado had left most of the town in ruins. The Halloween costume distribution this fall was for children of families who had completed a Home Safety Plan though the Indianapolis Fire Dept.

“All friendships are special,” stated Herb Simon, owner of the Pacers and the Fever. “But with Stephen and JAKKS Pacific, they’ve become more than friends.  They have become true Hoosiers that we love.  His love and care for the children of Indiana is so heartwarming and real.”

“JAKKS is once again so pleased to partner with the Pacers and Fever and my pal, Herb Simon to create a magical experience for thousands of deserving children in the greater Indianapolis area,” stated Stephen Berman, President and CEO of JAKKS Pacific, Inc.  “We especially were happy to help in the fall, working with the Fire Department to help children make their homes safer.”

JAKKS Pacific, a leading U.S. toy company, is based in California and has been designing, developing, producing and marketing toys and consumer products for children and adults around the world since 1995. JAKKS Cares is the philanthropic arm of JAKKS Pacific, and since inception, has donated over $50 million in toys, school supplies and monetary endowments to millions of underprivileged children around the world.

This holiday toy giveaway is part of Pacers Cares and the Indiana Pacers Season of Giving, which includes other holiday events such as Pacers “Come to Our House” Thanksgiving Meal presented by U.S. Foods, Shop with the Pacers presented by Simon Malls and a Pacers Sports & Entertainment Community Service Day, as well as other individual player events.

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Pacers and Fever Partner With Jakks Pacific For Holiday Toy Giveaway

In a packed Finish Line store at the Greenfield Park Mall on Sunday night, a large crowd followed a group of Pacers. But it wasn’t just any ordinary shopping trip for six members of the Blue-and-Gold – these Pacers were taking kids from the Children’s Bureau on a holiday shopping spree for the Shop With the Pacers event.

The smiles were bountiful from start to finish as the kids led C.J. Miles, Solomon Hill, and Damjan Rudez into Finish Line to start off their spree with some stylish new kicks.

Rudez knelt down to help six-year-old David – who was showing off his spin moves in the store – measure his shoe size before buying a flashy new pair.

Solomon Hill stopped to take a picture of one of the kids in his group lacing up his new shoes before even leaving the store, because it reminded him of himself when he was young.

“I was just watching him taking the old shoes off and put his new ones on,” Hill said, “You just leave the old ones in the box and you got your new ones on. It’s a great feeling.”

C.J. Miles made the day of eight-year-old Zach when Miles bought him a pair of Heelys, a shoe with a built in roller skate in the heel.

“He’s awesome,” Zach’s father Travis said of Miles.

“I’ve got them on already!” said Zach, pointing at his dark blue Heelys.

Miles looked on at his group of energetic shoppers and smiled.

“I think it’s a big part of us as players to be able to try to (help the community) as much as we can” Miles explained, “To be able to reach back out to them is like a thank you.”

Meanwhile, Rodney Stuckey, Chris Copeland and Shayne Whittington let their groups of kids lead them in different directions, as they scattered around the Simon Mall.

Whittington found himself in Build a Bear Workshop; which he claimed was familiar territory. The rookie center has made a few trips to the store in the past to buy customized bears for his siblings, nieces, and nephews. His group of little ones on Sunday all designed their own accessorized teddy bears to take home; complete with roller skates and stylish hats.

“I’ve been the little kid. I’ve been the little guy that looks up to guys that play on TV,” said Whittington of why he loves the event. “It’s nice for us to actually come out and enjoy the fans, instead of them coming to watch us.”

Stuckey’s group was flying around the mall from the start, and seemed too have no plans of slowing down their pace.

“We went to Justice, they picked out a couple pairs of clothes. Then we went to Claire’s, got some earrings,” said Stuckey, who is used to shopping for kids since he has a 10-year-old daughter and a three-year-old son.

“I’ve been doing it for a while now,” he said with a smile.

And when asked which store they were going to hit next, Stuckey’s answer seemed to encapsulate what Shop With the Pacers is all about.

“Wherever they want to go,” He said, “it’s up to them. I’m just riding along with them.” 

pacers-take-local-kids-on-shopping-spree

Pacers Take Local Kids on Shopping Spree

Boomer, Pacemates and representatives of Pacers Sports & Entertainment pose with members of the Indiana National Guard Thursday morning after loading a truck with toys donated by JAKKS Pacific Toys and bound for children of Hoosier Guard men and women throughout the state.

The annual toy donation campaign will culminate with festivities before and during the Pacers' Dec. 15 game against the Lakers, where Stephen Berman, co-founder of JAKKS Pacific, and Pacers owner Herb Simon will be recognized.

Read More about the Pacers' Season of Giving Activities »

You can watch video of Thursday's event below:

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Season of Giving: Toy Sorting & Distribution

INDIANAPOLIS – At its fourth quarter board meeting, the Pacers Foundation awarded $50,000 in grants to seven agencies.

They include a grant to Pacers guard C.J. Watson’s Quiet Storm Foundation, which supports a writing and speech program for Indianapolis-area youth that culminates in a recognition luncheon for participants in February at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.  

The Foundation also provided a grant to The Cure Starts Now Foundation in honor of former Lawrenceburg, Ind., basketball star Lauren Hill, who is suffering from a form of pediatric brain cancer. Hill, her parents, friends and teammates, were recognized at an Indiana Pacers’ preseason game. Hill also was made an honorary member of the WNBA Indiana Fever.       

The Foundation also voted to again support Team Smile, an event that will take place at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in February and provide dental screening and treatment for several hundred Indianapolis-area youth.

“The Pacers Foundation is pleased to provide much-needed assistance to these deserving agencies and causes,” said Foundation chairperson Rick Fuson. “They are on the front line of providing hope and help for those who need it most, especially our youth.”

For more information, go to Pacersfoundation.org.

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Pacers Foundation Awards Over $50,000 in Grants and Scholarships

The Pacers continued to give back during the NBA Season of Giving, traveling to Brown County on Wednesday for the Pacers Big Holiday Surprise. At the event, the Pacers gave toys to children at the Brown County Community YMCA.

“The NBA, its teams and its players all take very seriously our roles in trying to make our communities better,” said Pacers President/COO Rick Fuson.  “Especially at this time of the year, it is imperative for the Pacers and the Fever to do what they can to help bring smiles to those in need in Central Indiana.”

The Pacers “Season of Giving” got started with forward/center Lavoy Allen and his Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway at the Wheeler-Dowe Boys & Girls Club on East 30th St.  Allen provided turkeys to over 100 needy families and then put on a mini basketball clinic for the children.

SEE ALSO: Allen Gives Back for Thanksgiving at Boys and Girls Club »

Then, Pacers star David West and his wife Lesley once again partnered with Pacers sponsor US Foods for the team’s annual “Come to Our House” Thanksgiving Dinner which saw over 700 men, women and children from Indiana shelters receive a warm, holiday meal at Bankers Life Fieldhouse and then go home with scarves, socks, gloves, etc.

SEE ALSO: "Come to Our House" Dinner (Recap, Photos, Videos) »

Later this month, Pacers owner Herb Simon will once again team with his friend, Stephen Berman of JAKKS Pacific toys company to distribute over 20,000 toys to children in Central Indiana.  The two friends started this tradition a few years ago and have worked with the Indiana National Guard to make sure the toys get into the hands of needy Hoosier children.

Dec. 3, 2014 - For the sixth consecutive year, the Pacers and Fever teamed up with JAKKS Pacific Toy Company to distribute more than 20,000 toys to local non-profit agencies and families of the Indiana National Guard.

The Pacers have partnered with Simon Malls to once again create “Shop with The Pacers” at the Greenwood Park Mall. Children from the Indiana Children’s Bureau will go on a holiday shopping spree with the Pacers players, the Pacemates and mascot Boomer.

David and Lesley West will host their annual “Big Holiday Surprise” at the Turning Point Christian School for the third year.  The event is an incentive program based on attendance, grades and classroom behavior. Close to 125 students and parents from the school’s Academic Achievers club will attend.

Pacers guard and Indianapolis native George Hill is giving back with his “2014 Wish Patrol” as he again has teamed with the Wish for Our Heroes program.  Hill will drive around Indy on a bus and stop at the homes of military families and “surprise” them with toys, gifts and food.

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Pacers Travel to Brown County for Big Holiday Surprise

A.J. Price's second stint with the Pacers is over, but his contributions won't soon be forgotten.  

Indiana officially waived Price on Friday, after their second injury hardship relief exception expired. A rash of injuries created a unique opportunity for Price, 28, to return to the franchise where he spent his first three NBA seasons. The hardship relief exception allows a team to add a 16th player to the roster for 10 days if at least four players are sidelined for significant time.

Price, the 52nd overall draft pick in 2009, was brought back to Indiana to provide much-needed depth in the backcourt. Neither starting point guard George Hill (bruised knee) nor backup C.J. Watson (bruised foot) have played in the regular season, leaving third-stringer Donald Sloan as the only true point guard on Indiana's roster until Price's addition.

PHOTO GALLERY: A.J. Price's Season-to-Date »

To say Price exceeded expectations would be a massive understatement. Despite joining the team five games into the season, he was able to immediately contribute. Price averaged 10.5 points and 2.7 assists over 10 games. Head coach Frank Vogel put a lot of trust in the veteran, playing him nearly 20 minutes per contest. Price responded by shooting 43.8 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from 3-point range, both better clips than he'd shot in any of his five previous NBA seasons.

More importantly, the team won with Price on the floor. When he arrived, Indiana was just 1-4. Despite missing anywhere from five to seven players due to injury on any given night, the Pacers went 5-5 with Price in uniform, including a three impressive road wins in Miami, Chicago, and Dallas.

Price played a big part in the team's overall performance. When Indiana beat Utah on Nov. 10 to snap a six-game losing streak, Price scored 22 points on 8-of-12 shooting. When the Blue-and-Gold won in Chicago five days later, Price had 21 points. Even in his last game with the Pacers, Price was a major factor, contributing 11 points and five assists in Wednesday's loss in San Antonio.

Unfortunately, Price's time in Indiana has come to an end. The Pacers would no doubt love to keep him around, but they simply don't have an open roster spot and it doesn't make much sense to keep four point guards once Hill and Watson return to the lineup.

That day is coming soon, as the team is slowly getting healthy. David West is hoping to make his season debut tonight against Orlando. Watson could return as early as next week and Hill is expected back in mid-December. In the interim, combo guard Rodney Stuckey will likely have to share some point guard duties in Price's absence.

As for Price, he proved that he is a bona fide NBA point guard. When the Pacers called him, he was just days away from signing a contract to play in China. Now, he will undoubtedly have options. He could get a shot on another NBA team or he could opt to head overseas, but you have to think his list of suitors has gotten longer.

Price may have only been a member of the 2014-15 Pacers for a few weeks in November, but his contributions were vital. He helped keep the boat afloat in the hardest of times, and for that he has the organization's gratitude. If the Pacers sneak into the playoffs in April by a game or two, they might very well have A.J. Price to thank.