With Tyrese Haliburton out for the year and Myles Turner now with the Milwaukee Bucks, everybody is counting the Indiana Pacers out once again. However, head coach Rick Carlisle and the team have developed a reputation for silencing their doubters and overachieving. Next season will be the ultimate test, but Carlisle could be in line for a masterclass.
A Pacers' playoff appearance is still entirely possible
Not only is it possible, but it may be inevitable that Indiana makes their way back to the playoffs next season. Another deep playoff run will be highly unlikely, but the Pacers have what it takes to make some noise in the East. This is true even without Haliburton or Turner.
The Pacers still have a very young and talented team. They are going to look completely different next year, and it is fair to assume they will go through their fair share of ups and downs. However, the Pacers have a talented roster regardless, and they should be able to make it work, especially with Carlisle leading the way.
Carlisle is among the best coaches in the NBA when it comes to adapting and making the right adjustments. This was noticeable all throughout last season, especially in the playoffs, but he has done it for a very long time. With Indiana going through some major changes, it is important for him to find that same magic once again.
Most are expecting the Pacers to have a gap year next season. With Haliburton on the shelf, it will be incredibly difficult for them to compete for a championship once again. Plus, with Turner's departure, they still need to figure out their center situation. The Pacers will likely go through some rough patches and are not expected to be the same team they were the last couple of seasons. However, they are one of the most resilient teams in the league, and it is fair to say they will likely attack next season with the same mentality.
It seems like a tall task at the moment, but the Pacers are legitimate playoff contenders for next season. As has been the case in recent years, they should be able to scrape away some victories they shouldn't next season, and that may be good enough to get them back to the postseason.
Regardless of what happens next year, the Pacers have a bright future. Once Haliburton returns, they should be able to re-establish themselves as title contenders. However, until then, they will make do with what they have, and that could be the recipe for a legendary Carlisle season.