Everybody knew the Indiana Pacers would take a step back this season. Tyrese Haliburton is out for the year due to an Achilles tear, and the Pacers are still trying to figure out their long-term center situation following Myles Turner's departure.
The thing is, while they have taken that step back, it's way worse than anybody thought it would be. And that's likely how it's going to be for a long while until Indiana gets its star guard back on the court next season.
The Pacers have been abysmal this season
Over two months into the season, the Pacers stand alone as the worst team in the NBA with a 6-27 record. Additionally, they are currently in the midst of a nine-game losing streak and have won two consecutive games just two separate times this season.
Indiana also ranks near or at the bottom in numerous categories. According to Basketball-Reference.com, the Pacers are last in offensive rating (109.1), 29th in points per game (110.1), and 28th in net rating (-9.2). Furthermore, per NBA.com, they are last in FG% (43.5%) and 3FG% (33%), and they are 28th in assists per game (23.8).
Even beyond the stats sheets and box scores, the Pacers' struggles are apparent, and they are concerning for the long run.
This season was essentially meant to be all about experimentation and seeing who can step up in a bigger role without Haliburton and Turner. Unfortunately for the Pacers, nobody is truly stepping up on a consistent level.
Bennedict Mathurin was scorching-hot to begin the season, but he has averaged just 15.5 points while shooting 41.1% from the field and 35.4% from beyond the arc in the month of December. Additionally, players like Jarace Walker, Isaiah Jackson, and Ben Sheppard (when healthy) have mostly been disappointing.
The Pacers have made so many transactions and handed out so many 10-day contracts that the end of the bench is almost unrecognizable from opening night. And the problem is, outside of some performances here and there, once again, nobody is stepping up and proving that they can contribute to winning basketball past this season.
At this point, it is highly unlikely that Indiana will make a playoff appearance in 2026, but that's probably for the best. It may be in the team's best interest to just let this season play out, continue giving their players these opportunities, and shift their focus in the offseason.
This season has been a nightmare for the Pacers. And unfortunately for them, it's likely going to get worse before it gets better.