The Pacers are currently risking absolute catastrophe
By Joe Lyon
The Pacers franchise can be a bit short-sided at moments, and unfortunately I think that letting Tyrese Haliburton get back onto the court this week is a fine example. And in case you think that I’m the only one, let me introduce you to Scott Agness:
NEW: Tyrese Haliburton has sat out the last two weeks with injuries — and the Pacers should shut him down for the season.
— Scott Agness (@ScottAgness) March 24, 2023
I don't often write opinion pieces, but this has been on my mind for more than a week.https://t.co/oi7BWGE2zp
And he’s absolutely right, there is no reason that Haliburton should get back onto the court this season and there are multiple reasons why.
It would give the younger guards more time to develop on the court heading into the offseason.
The Pacers have a bunch of young guards that we need more information on. Nembhard, Nesmith, Mathurin, Duarte, and Nwora all fit into the guard/small forward category. With Haliburton off the court, the Pacers can better evaulate their young talent.
It would unnecessarily put Haliburton at further injury risk when the Pacers have, realistically, nothing to play for this season given they are already fallen into the lottery.
Haliburton has already been injured a few times this season which resulted in extended missing time. It would be best for the Pacers to let Haliburton heal completely and be ready to go for an important offseason where the Pacers will need to improve. Having a healthy and happy Haliburton should be priority number 1 for the Pacers.
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It would potentially only worsen the lottery odds that the Pacers already have.
The Pacers need to get one more piece before their rebuild can truly turn the corner. Let’s not compromise all of the good “retooling” that we have done this year just to try and push for a play-in game we have a low chance of making in the first place. It seems like the prudent business decision for both the Pacers and for Haliburton would be to shut it down for the season.
