Pacers Have Clear Path Towards Contention After Tyrese Haliburton Return, Insider Says

Tyrese Haliburton, the Pacers' All-NBA point guard, suffered a torn Achilles tendon in Game 7 of the NBA Finals this past June. The 25-year-old has been ostensibly ruled out for the entire 2025-26 NBA season. The Pacers have mechanisms, like the Disabled Player Exception, to potentially adjust their roster if his status changes.

ESPN cap expert Bobby Marks suggests the Pacers could quickly return to being an elite Eastern Conference team for the 2026-27 season, viewing the upcoming season as a "gap year" without Haliburton. He notes that Indiana came close to being the East favorite last season before Haliburton's injury and the departure of Myles Turner. When Haliburton returns, the Pacers will have 13 players under contract for 2026-27, including Pascal Siakam, Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, and T.J. McConnell, and retain their own 2026 first-round draft pick.

Myles Turner, the Pacers' longest-tenured player with 10 years, signed a four-year, $108.9 million contract with the Milwaukee Bucks in free agency. His departure leaves a significant hole at the starting center position. While players like Isaiah Jackson, James Wiseman (with a team option for 2026-27), and Jay Huff are serviceable, none are considered Turner-caliber starters. The team will need to find a long-term solution at center to complement the anticipated return of a healthy Haliburton and the stable core aiming to compete for a championship.