Even when Tyrese Haliburton returns from his injury, it is likely going to be a while before he resembles his old self. Furthermore, until then, he will most likely be the Indiana Pacers' No. 2 behind Pascal Siakam, whose role with the team just became even more important.
After suffering a devastating Achilles injury during the Pacers' Game 7 NBA Finals loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the two-time All-Star will miss the entirety of next season. Despite being one win away from winning their first-ever NBA Championship in June, the Paces' outlook for next season looks incredibly bleak as they are now in for what many are calling a "gap year."
Fortunately for Pacers fans, there are reasons to believe that Haliburton will be able to return to form. Not only is he just 25 years old (which bodes well for Achilles recoveries), but he is going to take all of next season off, which gives him the ability to take as much time as possible before returning to basketball activities. However, Indiana will have to realize that it will be a while before their star guard looks like his former self.
The Pacers' plan without Tyrese Haliburton is intriguing
With Haliburton out for the year, combined with Myles Turner signing with the Milwaukee Bucks earlier this offseason, the Pacers are expected to take a backseat in the Eastern Conference. Though another deep playoff run will be incredibly unlikely, there is no reason to believe the team is going to tank. Instead, they will aim to shock the basketball world once again and make some noise next season.
In Haliburton's absence, the Pacers are going to slide Andrew Nembhard over to the point guard role full-time and insert Bennedict Mathurin into the starting lineup. This is far from ideal, but it can work.
Nembhard is a natural point guard who is only playing shooting guard because he was too good to be a backup. Additionally, he has looked good anytime he has been the lead guard; he just hasn't been able to do it in a full-time role.
With the Canadian native now running the show, fans should expect the Pacers' offense to look very different. Instead of relying on fast-paced ball movement and improvisation, the team will likely run a more traditional offense in the half-court to play to Nembhard's strengths. As Indiana looks to remain competitive next season, this is the right call.
The Pacers have an intriguing season ahead of them, even if it's not what fans necessarily want it to look like. And, who knows, maybe they learn a thing or two with Haliburton out that can help them be even stronger when he comes back. Regardless, while their long-term outlook is good, the Pacers will be in for a tough battle without their star guard.