Why were the 1980's Indiana Pacers so BAD

The pacers of the 1980's we're really bad, sometimes losing over 60 games in one season. but why? how has one of the most consistently good teams in the NBA had such a bad stretch following their run of dominance in the 70's.

[@liamprice7444]

The Pacers even won the lottery with larry bird in the '78 draft, just imagine what a potential MONSTER TEAM (Bird, MJ, Reggie, Malone, etc.) that would be if they had the salary-cap space for that and if was a thing.

[@rsmith317]

I was born in 80 and I started getting into the Pacers as a child specifically during the 88-89 season which was Reggie's second season. Reggie and Chuck Person could fill it up but those late 80's pacers played no defense. Kind of like right now😆😆😆😆

[@larrycorman6465]

…oh, the injuries, Kellog really hurt😢

[@Thestarvinglionscollectivetv]

This is a great watch; important Pacers history. Salute!

[@liamprice7444]

With Indiana Being A Small Market Though, I could foresee Bird, Jordan, Drexler, Miller, and Malone winning at most three titles for the Pacers with maybe six appearances.

[@SuperstarSS44]

Not to mention that they finished second in the Pat Ewing lottery,which many believe was rigged.

[@limitless_pulls]

Oh it was,

[@xenniealsentinel1800]

Traded a pick for nonsense
Which could have been used on jordan

[@RiskeFactor]

Adrian Dantley, Alex English, Dan Roundfield…🤔

[@jake-in_yt80]

Good job bro

[@jake-in_yt80]

Do you have that 80's game Blazers at Pacers? I think its from 1986. I you tube trying to find but cant

[@liamprice7444]

The Pacers without cockiness could absolutely confidently beat a Jazz team that was about as good, but possible to beat unlike the 2000 Lakers with Shaq. I say Pacers win but it could go either way