This season has been a very disappointing one for the Indiana Pacers, even given the circumstances.
Following Tyrese Haliburton's Achilles injury and Myles Turner's departure to the Milwaukee Bucks, many expected the Pacers would take a step back this season. And, to be fair, they've done exactly that. But it has been even worse than most thought.
The Pacers began the season with a 4-17 record. They are better suited to win the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery than a Play-In game. However, not all of it is their fault.
On top of being without Haliburton, Indiana dealt with numerous injuries to key players. This includes Andrew Nembhard, Bennedict Mathurin, Obi Toppin, and Aaron Nesmith. All four of these players were crucial to the Pacers' latest NBA Finals run, and they all missed a noteworthy amount of time this season.
Another conference finals run is almost entirely out of the picture for 2026. Rick Carlisle is a fantastic coach (arguably the best in the NBA), but he's not a magician. The Pacers are not likely to even make a playoff appearance this season. But that's completely fine. Because, regardless of how bleak things may look now, they have a bright future and should be able to re-establish themselves as title contenders once they get their star guard back next year.
The Pacers can compete for a championship sooner rather than later
Indiana will probably never be able to compete for a title without Haliburton. Fortunately, the team should get him back next season.
How the Wisconsin native plays immediately upon his return will ultimately decide the Pacers' fate for next season. He is crucial to their offensive success, and he has gradually improved as a defender. Regardless, it's not just about next season. It's about the next several years, and assuming Haliburton returns to form, the Pacers are going to be a dangerous team for a long time.
Additionally, Indiana has a lot of other young and hungry players who can contribute for the long run.
Andrew Nembhard is taking it up another level in Haliburton's absence this season, averaging career-highs in PPG (17.5) and APG (6.2) while improving as a three-point shooter and playing good defense even in a bigger role.
Furthermore, Bennedict Mathurin is proving his worth to the Pacers this season and is making it clear that he is a long-term asset to the team. And they are also getting solid play out of Jay Huff and Isaiah Jackson, who could play a big part in figuring out the team's long-term center solution.
The jury is still out on guys like Jarace Walker and Ben Sheppard, who have both been big disappointments this season, but there is a lot to like about the Pacers' long-term outlook. Especially in an inferior Eastern Conference.
Soon enough, the Pacers will have a real opportunity to make another run at a championship. And fortunately for fans, they have what it takes to do it as soon as next season.