The Indiana Pacers have built a reputation for never tanking, and fans should expect that to continue for the 2025-26 season.
While not to the same extent as previous seasons, the Pacers have low expectations next year. Tyrese Haliburton will miss the entire season with an Achilles injury, and Myles Turner signed with the Milwaukee Bucks in free agency. In a year where they are not likely to compete for a championship, it would make sense for Indiana to take their foot off the pedal a little bit. However, if history has taught fans one thing, it is that this is not in the team's DNA.
Even if a deep playoff run is unlikely next year, the Pacers have proven they can never be counted out. Furthermore, they still have an incredibly talented team. It remains to be seen what exactly is in store for the team next season, but as it stands, it is safe to assume they will give it their all and look to shock the world once again.
The Pacers will still have the same top priority
How they get there might be different, and what their smaller goals are might be different. However, the Pacers' top priority will be to win as many basketball games as possible, which has not changed.
Fortunately for Indiana, they play in a weaker Eastern Conference that is now wide-open. In reality, they might not have to change things up too much to remain in playoff contention, even if another NBA Finals appearance is going to be borderline impossible.
Throughout the regular season, the Pacers will experiment a little bit and try different players and rotations out. Regardless of what next season looks like, the Pacers have a bright future and should re-establish themselves as title contenders once Haliburton makes his return. Additionally, they have a plethora of young and talented players who now have a great opportunity to shine. It would be best for the team to test different things out to see what sticks in the long run.
There is a lot to like about the Pacers' outlook for next season, even if it looks a little grim at the moment. It is going to be crushing for fans not to see their star guard suit up, and the team will likely go through numerous rough patches as they look to find their long-term solution at center. However, no matter what, it seems that the team will continue to bring their A-game night in and night out.
They likely will not be considered title threats next season, but the Pacers are still a team not worth overlooking. On top of still being incredibly talented, they are resilient and play with a lot of energy. As they look to navigate through a gap year, this is not likely to change.
The Pacers have not given up yet, and it is highly unlikely they will start to now.