Are the Indiana Pacers the New Bad Boys?

The Indiana Pacers have continued their impressive start, now 16-6, and appear to be legitimate contenders.

Amidst this, they aren't making any friends.

In the young season, there have already been numerous instances in which opposing players have been upset by the persona of the Indiana squad.

Minnesota Timberwolves star big man Kevin Love recently expressed his feelings about the rugged Pacers after their 109-99 loss to Indiana.  

"I've said all along I've never liked the Pacers," Love said. "I guarantee the next time we play them it will be just as physical."

Love also added, "They take those pills and they've got all that toughness. I don't know where that comes from. They all think they're tough guys. I just don't know where that comes from. That just blows my mind. They're all tough. And it makes me laugh."

Love isn't the only once annoyed.

NBA MVP Derrick Rose expressed his annoyance with the Pacers' postgame celebration a couple weeks ago, after Indiana won on the road at Chicago 95-90.

Rose had motivational words to say concerning this: "I'll never forget how they celebrated just from winning this game," he said. "I can't wait to play them again."

The drama surrounding this game didn't end there. Pacers coach Frank Vogel took it up another level.

Vogel said, "I don't know if we really celebrated any more than a lot of teams celebrated when they get a road win. I know they've got a couple guys on their team who celebrate on every play. I just think it's the thrill of victory."

It's clear the Pacers are playing with a chip on the shoulder. They're out to prove they're an elite team. Right now, their play is communicating this.

But their unnecessary antics appear to be getting under the skin of opposing teams. Are they becoming the new Bad Boys?

The Detroit Pistons were the feared "Bad Boys" of the late 1980s. Their demeanor was hard-nosed and at times, dirty. But they backed up this style of play by winning two NBA championships.

The Pacers must be careful to not create a bad reputation before they've ever even won a playoff series together. Yes, they're showing vast improvements this year, but making players like Love and the MVP angry is not wise.

It's premature to label them the new Bad Boys, but their persona is rubbing off on teams like they are. At this stage in their success, they should stick to communicating to the league by winning, rather than foolishly getting underneath players' skin and running their mouths. 

There's something to be said for letting your playing do the talking.