They have achieved goodness, which is a substantial improvement over the past four seasons.
But the Indiana Pacers strive for greatness, which leads to two pressing issues as the NBA trade deadline looms Thursday:
Is there enough room for growth within the current roster to reach the desired level?
If not, is now the right time to make a move?
This streaky bunch may be back on the upswing after a solid 111-94 shredding of Philadelphia Wednesday at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. It was the second win in a row for the Pacers (25-16), who have had losing streaks of four and five and a winning streak of six in the last 17 games.
The victory helped ease doubts about the team's ability to compete with quality opposition. The Pacers had dropped their previous eight games against teams with winning records, including four straight last week.
Coach Frank Vogel is trying to keep the potential for roster change in the back of his mind. He believes the team as currently constructed is talented enough to contend.
"(The trade deadline is) really kind of an afterthought to me," Vogel said. "I'm happy with the team we have. I don't know if we're going to make any trades or not. That's something for our front office to deal with. I'm just happy with who we have and I'm focused on coaching these guys.
"I don't think there's a ceiling. I don't think we've scratched the surface of what we can accomplish. Obviously, there's always ways to improve and if there's a deal out there that makes sense for us then I'm all for it but I feel good that this group, as constructed, can compete with the best in the league."
Various media reports have linked the Pacers with two players: center Chris Kaman of New Orleans and shooting guard Jamal Crawford of Portland.
Crawford spurned their offer prior to the season to sign a two-year, $10 million deal with Portland that has a player option for 2012-13, but with the Blazers struggling, his name has again surfaced in trade rumors. Though another explosive scorer off the bench certainly would be welcome, the Pacers already have a strong backup shooting guard in George Hill.
The greater need would seem to be in the front court. Kaman is the Hornets' highest-paid player ($14 million) and is in the last year of his contract. Dealing with New Orleans can be difficult, as the Lakers learned when they thought they had made a deal for Chris Paul, but the Pacers appear interested. With Jeff Foster missing 29 of the first 40 games with lingering back problems — he'll be out at least another week — there is a need for a backup center.
Journeyman Lou Amundson has filled in capably, including a career-high 21-point performance in a 92-75 victory over Portland Tuesday, but at 6-foot-9 lacks the bulk to contend with true centers.
With $15 million in cap space and two open roster spots, the Pacers are in position to take on additional salary and bodies to make a deal work. That certainly would be the case in a deal for Kaman, although the Hornets' asking price may have climbed since he has returned to the starting lineup and been consistently productive.
"The great thing about the way we've got our organization and our front office set up is I've got a great deal of faith and confidence in Larry (Bird) and David Morway and whatever they feel they need, it's their team," Vogel said. "I'm just here to coach it."
